Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to let everyone know that mental illnesses can affect people of any age, race, religion, or income. They are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing and cannot be overcome through willpower. But they are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.
Without treatment, the consequences of mental illness for the individual and society are staggering. Untreated mental health conditions can result in unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, suicide, and poor quality of life. The economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than 100 billion dollars each year in the United States.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, please join with Team NAMI California to share our message of hope, empathy and solutions to #EndTheStigma.
Here’s how you can help.
- Learn how to become an advocate with our advocacy toolkit. This toolkit offers tips and resources on how to identify your legislators, engage, and communicate your support for mental health legislative priorities.
- Share your personal story with NAMI California. Telling personal stories of recovery can be one of the most effective ways to diminish stigma and help individuals and families who are facing challenges related to mental illness.
- Register to vote and cast a ballot for candidates who support mental health solutions. The 2022 California Primary Election, takes place June 7th, and the deadline to register to vote is May 23rd. Get registered today!