That was THEN... This is NOW!

NAMI SCC Website

That was THEN....	This is NOW!
1979	2001
Families and consumers personally affected by severe mental illnesses had no unifying national presence. Mental illness was forgotten and hidden, on no one's agenda.	NAMI has established itself as the nation's voice on mental illness for millions of American families directly affected by debilitating brain disorders. National, state, and local policy makers now understand and many support NAMI's vision for change, typified by the 1999 White House Conference on Mental Health.
Research into the causes of and treatment for mental illness was underfunded and poorly focused.	National plans now exist for research on schizophrenia, child and adolescent mental illnesses, and mental health services. Aggressive research agendas in neuroscience and genetics are not priorities.
Large state and smaller private psychiatric hospitals were virtually the only sites for treatment of server mental illness. Patients were isolated from their families and friends.	Most treatment takes place in the community.
Many clinicians believed that severe mental illnesses were caused by family dysfunction and were treatable with lengthly psychoanalysis.	Healthcare providers now recognize that severe mental illnesses are brain disorders that can be treated effectively with breakthrough medications and support services.
Insurance coverage for mental illnesses was virtually nonexistent.	The federal government and a majority of states now require at least some level of healthcare coverage for mental illnesses.
Mental illnesses were heavily shrouded by stigma and shame.	Major public figures openly discuss their own struggles with mental illness.
Persons with severe mental illnesses were destined to lead "half-lives" marked by poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and premature death.	Those directly affected by mental illness have real hope for recovery and meaningful lives.

- NAMI Advocate (Spring, 2001)

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