NAMI (Mental Health Awareness Month: May 2023)
Mental Health Awareness Month
Every May since 1949, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. NAMI promotes fighting the stigma, providing support, along with educating the public and advocating for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness.
NAMI is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month this year with their More Than Enough campaign
“The organization wants to encourage everyone to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability. We want every person out there to know that if all you did was wake up today, that’s more than enough. No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you is more than enough.” (Source) NAMI is a wonderful organization that supports mental health. Check out their website that includes more ways to get involved this mental health awareness month below.
Mental Illness Statistics (Source)
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14
Upcoming Events:
Mental Health Action Day (5/18)
Partner with NAMI:
Become an Advocate: Sign up to receive advocacy alerts to take action when opportunities arise in your community.
Become a Volunteer: Get involved with your local NAMI, or apply to be a volunteer with NAMI’s national helpline.
Share Your Story:
Post a Blog: NAMI encourages all to Share your personal story with mental health. Sharing can encourage others to open up and provides a sense of support to those with similar experiences. How awesome is it that your story can not only help others who are struggling but even help promote understanding and empathy to those without mental illness.
Remember: Have compassion for yourself and others. Know that you are not alone.
Crisis Help
Examples of a mental health crisis include (but are not limited to): suicide risk, rapid mood swings, abusive behavior, paranoia, and loss of touch with reality.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for help immediately.
Call 911: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
Call 988: This is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Crisis Text Line: Get 24/7 help from the Crisis Text Line .
PA Crisis Hotlines: If you are in PA, Find a crisis line in your county.
This information is intended for information purposes only. Any reader understands that Apex Benefit Group is not providing legal advice, tax advice, or professional services. This article serves to offer practical information regarding the subject matter and is not a comprehensive resource.
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