“Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness] and the rest of the country are raising awareness of mental health.” (1)
NAMI states that, “One in 5 Americans is affected by mental health conditions.” (1) Mental health concerns are significant for American Indians, they “… experience serious psychological distress 1.5 times more than the general population…[and also] experience PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] more than twice as often as the general population.” (2)
What You Can Do
“In 2018, NAMI will promote the theme of ‘CureStigma’ throughout all awareness events, including Mental Health Month.” As NAMI states, “Stigma is toxic to their mental health because it creates an environment of shame, fear and silence that prevents many people from seeking help and treatment. The perception of mental illness won’t change unless we act to change it.” NAMI wants to address this stigma through compassion and empathy, and by creating awareness. (1)
To help support NAMI’s “CureStigma” mission, visit https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Awareness-Messaging to learn what you can do and to get involved today!
Sources
- NAMI. (n.d.). Mental Health Month. Retrieved May 18, 2018, from https://www.nami.org/mentalhealthmonth
- Mental Health America. (n.d.). Native American Communities and Mental Health. Retrieved May 18, 2018, from http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/issues/native-american-communities-and-mental-health
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