Each year we join other organizations in raising our voices for Mental Health Awareness Month. While we raise awareness and make efforts to end mental health stigma every day, we recognize that we still have a long way to go in educating others about mental health.
This year we want to put the spotlight on how much our community means to us.
After enduring the pandemic together, getting back out and engaging with community members in-person has felt like a blessing. We are excited to be having our annual gala event in-person this year, where we will honor community members making a difference, and raise much-needed funds to help us continue our vital work—among our cherished community. That we are able to celebrate our community in person makes us feel more hopeful than ever.
Each day we strive to serve our community. Our NAMI programs ensure that our community members get the mental health support they need—and of our staff and team members, including volunteers who facilitate our support groups, teach our classes, answer calls, provide resources at tabling events, plan and run our events, and do all the behind-the-scenes work you never see to keep everything running smoothly.
We hear from so many in our community about how their lives have been changed for the better after they have connected with others in our community. Individuals living with mental health conditions and their loved ones find the information and support they need from our free programs, resources and events. They tell us they feel support and, in turn, offer support. They feel seen and heard—and less alone. They learn how to cope and take better care of themselves and their loved ones. They find reasons to hope. So do we!
More research into mental health conditions is needed to help those impacted. Sign NAMI’s petition urging Congress to fund mental health research, and make sure you’re receiving email updates to find out about more ways you can make a difference. Sign NAMI’s petition and sign up to receive email alerts about other ways you can make a difference. Find out more about being a mental health advocate here.
You can also share your voice with our short surveys. New for Mental Health Month: What does it mean to you to be part of the NAMI community? Have other NAMI members in support groups or classes helped you? Share how our community has been supportive here.
Final note on awareness: You can helping us share information about mental health by telling others about our work and sharing information about mental health and resources.