Each year, millions of Americans must face the reality of living with a mental health condition, regardless of their race, culture, gender or identity. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed each July to bring awareness to the unique struggles that racial and ethnic minority communities face regarding mental illness in the United States. In many minority communities, problems associated with mental health conditions are increased by less access to care, cultural stigma and lower quality care.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) seeks to reduce these disparities by pushing the message “You Are Not Alone” and focusing on the healing value of connecting in safe ways, prioritizing mental health and acknowledging that it’s OK to not be OK. Their ideal is to have a nation where anyone, regardless of background, ethnicity, culture or identity, has access to effective mental health services and support so no one feels alone in their journey.
Visit the NAMI website to learn more about this important observance and how you can get involved, and read about their efforts to prioritize mental health for everyone.