Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity. Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness regardless of their background. However, background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 2008 to start changing this.

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition.

Taking on the challenges of mental health conditions, health coverage and the stigma of mental illness requires all of us. In many communities, these problems are increased by less access to care, cultural stigma and lower quality care.

Strength Over Silence

Watch the new three-part docuseries, Strength Over Silence: Stories of Courage, Culture and Community. NAMI explores unique perspectives on mental health from the African-American and Latino communities. Through candid and courageous stories of lived experience, these mental health champions share their journeys of resiliency and recovery.

CureStigma

In 2018, NAMI will promote the theme of "CureStigma" throughout all awareness events, including Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

Why this cause is important: One in 5 Americans is affected by mental health conditions. Stigma is toxic to their mental health because it creates an environment of shame, fear and silence that prevents many people from seeking help and treatment. The perception of mental illness won’t change unless we act to change it.

Campaign manifesto: There’s a virus spreading across America. It harms the 1 in 5 Americans affected by mental health conditions. It shames them into silence. It prevents them from seeking help. And in some cases, it takes lives. What virus are we talking about? It’s stigma. Stigma against people with mental health conditions. But there’s good news. Stigma is 100% curable. Compassion, empathy and understanding are the antidote. Your voice can spread the cure. Join NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Together we can #CureStigma.

#CureStigma For Minority Mental Health Month.

Help us spread the word through the many awareness, support and advocacy activities. Share minority mental health awareness information, images and graphics for #MinorityMentalHealth throughout July.

America’s entire mental health system needs improvement, including when it comes to serving marginalized communities. Learn more about how you can get involved with Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.