Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers. That is why each year, during the first week of October, NAMI and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW).
We believe that mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round, but highlighting them during MIAW provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice. Since 1990, when Congress officially established the first full week of October as MIAW, advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large or small, to educate the public about mental illness.
Jump To:
This year’s MIAW will center the theme “Together We Care. Together We Share.” This campaign speaks to the impact of NAMI’s support resources. It conveys the power of coming together in community, which can be healing as people gather to share their experiences. Our hope is that, through this campaign, we can spread awareness of two of NAMI’s major support resources: NAMI Support Groups and the new NAMI Teen and Young Adult HelpLine.
Share our promotional materials with your networks and get the word out about NAMI’s free support groups.
The new NAMI Teen & Young Adult (T&YA) HelpLine offers a direct connection with another young person who shares similar experiences and is prepared to offer information, resources, and support to help you or someone you know move through difficult times to a better place.
Mental health affects us all and everyone should have the right to be heard and healed without shame or judgment. Bebe Moore Campbell was committed to creating safe spaces for people in communities of color to connect with others who share similar experiences and cultural backgrounds. These safe spaces served as a gateway to vital mental health resources and support networks.
This July — and beyond — we’re not only honoring Bebe Moore Campbell’s legacy, but continuing it by empowering, uplifting and elevating historically underrepresented communities in their mental health journeys, while eradicating stigma and elevating communities.
Help us honor Bebe Moore Campbell. Join us during Minority Mental Health Month and use your voice and share your story as we fearlessly reshape mental health conversations and eliminate the systemic barriers that impact communities of color. Together, let us forge a path of lasting change and empowerment.
Order your copy of the book today or for bulk purchases, visit Porchlight- You Are Not Alone.
Please check out our library of spots available for your use here.
Join our movement to advocate for a better mental health care system by signing up for advocacy alerts and taking action when opportunities arise in your community.
Four Decades of Resilience: One Family’s Perspective on Our Mental Health System
Read More >
The Blizzard of Depression and the Importance of Compassion
Read More >NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “helpline” to 62640, or chat online. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).
