NAMI Blog

"We need to create a culture in which people in the black community no longer feel afraid to tell someone how they are feeling, and that they need help."

Feelings of marginalization and isolation can be harmful to mental health for students of color. Learn more about how colleges and universities can create environments in which young people of color are valued. 

"There are gross inadequacies and structural problems in the mental health system. More and better family education and outreach are essential in order to mitigate the cultural barriers that play a part in impeding Latino families from realizing and accepting they need help."

"As I reflect on my mental health journey, I feel confident in saying that I don’t blame the West, my culture or my family for my challenges. There are so many contributing factors to mental health conditions, just as human beings are made up of more than one characteristic."

Learn more about Mental Health First Aid, a program that gives people a better understanding of how to recognize and offer initial aid to someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis (or are in an escalating panic situation). 

Culture, race, ethnicity and sexual identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. We can all help ignite change against these disparities this Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

Substance use and abuse is universal and the casualties of drug addiction affect all classes, races and regions of the U.S. We can beat this epidemic with three public health approaches: prevention, screening and treatment. 

"Knowing that there were still people who could benefit from hearing that they weren’t alone, that there were people who desperately wanted to know what they could do to help their friend or family member who was locked in their own battle with mental illness, I realized that my story could potentially pierce the veil of stigma surrounding mental illness and possibly help someone with what they were going through."

Transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment is a therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that are underactive in patients with depression. It is a non-drug, non-invasive option. Learn more about this proven treatment method. 

"While my daily work is to help others, I’ve learned—through lots of therapy and hard work—that I must take care of myself before I can help those I serve. Prioritizing my recovery and myself has allowed me to be a better friend, a better partner and a better person."