Together, we can break the stigma.
In a world where we're all navigating our own unique journeys, it's crucial to remember that mental health is just as vital as physical health. It's like tending to a garden - sometimes there are weeds to pull, flowers to nurture, and storms to weather. Breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness opens doors to conversations that cultivate empathy and understanding. Just like swapping stories about a favorite hobby or bonding over shared experiences, talking openly about mental health creates a space where support can bloom. 1 in 5 people in the U.S. experience some form of mental illness every year, yet only half of them receive treatment. It’s also true that only half of Americans (53%) say they’re familiar with the U.S. mental health care system. That could explain why the average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years. But it doesn't have to be this way.
Our partner, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. The Alliance includes more than 700 NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education to those in need. NAMI’s work can be summed up in 5 pillars that further their mission to create a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares:
Education: NAMI’s education programs, offered in thousands of communities across the U.S. ensure hundreds of thousands of families, individuals, and educators get the support and information they need.
Support: NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates host support groups, for both those with mental illness and caregivers, so that no one feels alone in their mental health journey.
Advocacy: NAMI shapes national public policy for people with mental illness and their families and provides volunteer leaders with the tools, resources and skills necessary to save mental health in all states.
Listening: Through the NAMI HelpLine, their team responds personally to hundreds of thousands of requests each year, providing free information and support—a much-needed lifeline for many.
Leading: Public awareness events and activities they create, including Mental Illness Awareness Week and NAMIWalks, successfully fight stigma and encourage understanding.
NAMI relies on contributions to make all of this work real, so every item we make in our Support Mental Health collection gives back to fund these initiatives. When we speak about mental illness and give back to organizations like NAMI making a difference in people’s lives, we have the power to change lives for the better. In this garden of life we’re all in together, let’s root for each other's growth.
In Need of Help or Support?
You are not alone! If you are struggling with your mental health, the NAMI HelpLine is here for you. The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text "HelpLine" to 62640 or chat with them at nami.org/help.
Experiencing a mental health crisis? Call, chat or text 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
