Every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Aaron Olsen, a senior studying communications and Amy Walen, a junior studying business management, hold support groups for those who have been diagnosed with mental illnesses through their affiliate in Idaho Falls, at the community Presbyterian Church on College Ave. “NAMI is the National Alliance of Mental Illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need,” according to nami.org. NAMI works with people who are mentally ill to stabilize those who have the diagnosis of a mental illness. They are taught coping skills through NAMI. “These people are scared of their diagnosis that they’ve received and they feel afraid and alone,” said Olsen. Those who have been diagnosed with mental illnesses typically do not want to talk about it. They hide their problems from their friends, families and even themselves. “They’re afraid of it; it’s a scary thing and it’s not something you can see, so it’s not something you can fight immediately,” said Olsen “Mental disorders are common in the United States, an estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older; about one in four adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year,” according to www.nimh.nih.gov. Mental illnesses are common in the United States. When some people hear their diagnosis, they become afraid. “Several people develop a stigma; just bad images of what people have of the illness,” Said Olsen. “There’s something special about learning that you are not alone; learning that there is hope. You can learn from other people and their experiences and grow and strengthen each other. It’s an opportunity to not only bless your life, but also bless the lives of those around you by sharing your experiences,” said Olsen.