Story perspectives

Survivor Eliza Williamson Expands NAMI Support, Promotes 1-800 Hotline

5/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Eliza Williamson, executive director of NAMI Massachusetts, is leading the nonprofit’s expansion of mental-health support.
She survived self-harm, eating disorders, complex PTSD and a suicide attempt after her mother called police.
Her recovery in a psychiatric hospital and a group home was aided by peer-support groups.
Williamson volunteered for NAMI Massachusetts in 2012 and joined staff in 2015.
She urges callers to dial NAMI Compass at 1-800-370-9085.

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Story summary

Eliza Williamson, executive director of NAMI Massachusetts, is leading the nonprofit’s expansion of mental-health support.
She survived self-harm, eating disorders, complex PTSD and a suicide attempt after her mother called police.
Her recovery in a psychiatric hospital and a group home was aided by peer-support groups.
Williamson volunteered for NAMI Massachusetts in 2012 and joined staff in 2015.
She urges callers to dial NAMI Compass at 1-800-370-9085.