In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, share these resources on helpful programs and advocacy efforts to support people with mental illness and their families.
Mental Health America (MHA)
http://www.mhanational.org
MHA highlights mental health as a critical part of overall wellness. Founded in 1909, MHA now has over 200 affiliates across the US with programs and initiatives that promote mental health care and prevent mental illness through advocacy, education, research, and services. Much of MHA's work is guided by its Before Stage 4 philosophy that mental health conditions should be treated long before they reach the most critical points in the disease process.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
http://www.nami.org
NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for people affected by mental illness in the US. For Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2022, NAMI amplifies the message, "Together for Mental Health." Help spread the word on social media using the hashtag #MHAM, and share your personal stories using the hashtag #Together4MH.
Rethink Mental Illness
http://www.rethink.org
Since 1970, Rethink has worked tirelessly to transform the lives of people severely affected by mental illness. It runs more than 140 local support groups and campaigns that aim to bring about real change among vulnerable groups such as the LGBTQ+ community. Rethink helps LGBTQ+ people better navigate the impact of discrimination and bullying on their mental health and connect with local mental health care and advocacy services.
National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED)
https://nned.net
NNED is a network of community-based organizations focused on the mental health and substance use issues of diverse racial and ethnic communities. It supports information sharing, training, and technical assistance toward promoting behavioral health equity.