Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and How to Support NAMI's Advocacy

Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity. Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness regardless of their background. However, background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 2008 to start changing this.

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition.

Taking on the challenges of mental health conditions, health coverage and the stigma of mental illness requires all of us. In many communities, these problems are increased by less access to care, cultural stigma and lower quality care.

Watch the NAMI docuseries (www.nami.org/get-involved), Strength Over Silence: Stories of Courage, Culture and Community which highlights perspectives on mental health from the African American and Latinx communities. Through candid and courageous stories of lived experience, these mental health champions share their resilience and recovery.

About You Are Not Alone

NAMI's You Are Not Alone campaign features the lived experience of people affected by mental illness to fight stigma, inspire others and educate the broader public. Now more than ever, the mental health community must come together and show that no one is ever really alone. The campaign builds connection and increases awareness with the digital tools that make connection possible during a climate of physical distancing. NAMI supports all diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives, reminding everyone that you are not alone.

Help us spread the word through awareness by visiting www.nami.org/mentalhealthawareness for support and advocacy activities. Share minority mental health awareness information, images and graphics for #MinorityMentalHealth throughout July.

America's entire mental health system needs improvement, including when it comes to serving marginalized communities. Learn more about how you can get involved with Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

To read more, visit the NAMI Barrington Area website (www.namiba.org) or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/namibarringtonarea), Instagram (www.instagram.com/namibarringtonarea), or Twitter (www.twitter.com/namibarrington).