Words by Smiley Team
For Mental Health Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has launched a new campaign -You Are Not Alone- which focuses on the power of connection.
More than 40 million people in the U.S. face the day-to-day reality of living with a mental health condition and NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organisation dedicated to improving the lives of these individuals and their families.
The You Are Not Alone campaign features the lived experience of people affected by mental illness to reduce stigma, inspire others and educate the public on available online resources. NAMI is asking the public to share their own experience with mental health conditions by submitting their stories on their website.
The campaign also builds connection and increases awareness through digital tools, such as social media platforms, online support groups and the NAMI COVID-19 Information and Resource Guide, which is available in both English and Spanish. These resources make connection and community possible despite the current global pandemic.
‘Especially during this time of isolation, uncertainty and tragedy, it is vital that no one feels alone in their mental health journey,’ said Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., CEO of NAMI.
‘The COVID-19 crisis not only shines a spotlight on our need for social connectedness, but also our need for real mental health resources. This Mental Health Month, NAMI is raising awareness to change our fragmented mental health system into one that serves everyone, so people can get the care they need.’
NAMI have seen an increase in service demand and are also calling for donations to be made to their website to ensure their work can be continued.
For the NAMI COVID-19 Information and Resources Guide (in English and in Spanish), please visit NAMI.org/covid-19. For You Are Not Alone resources, please visit NAMI.org/MentalHealthMonth.
By Ellen Jones
