1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. Here are 5 things you can do today to make a difference.
- Check in on someone you know who has struggled with mental health in the past. Reaching out to ask how someone is doing can be a small act with big impact.
- Educate yourself with information on mental health conditions and the warning signs of mental illness and how you can help prevent suicide.
- Stop using — and call out — stigmatizing language. “She’s crazy.” “That’s mental.” “He’s such a nut case.” “Don’t be so OCD.” To someone who has struggled with mental health, words like these can sting.
- Be an advocate for change by signing up to find out about other ways you can be involved with NAMI California’s advocacy efforts in Sacramento and beyond to provide Californians with the mental health care they need. Right now: you can sign a letter to go to your representative in support of a Congressional bill to designate a 3-digit number for suicide prevention and mental health crisis.
30-Second Survey: Encouragement for Support Groups
Bonus actions to take: Become a NAMI member, sign up to receive our newsletter, or make a donation.