by Jeanni Ritchie
May is Mental Health Awareness month and NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) wants you to help change the conversation around mental health. Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a driving force in addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions.
Even without a diagnosed mental health disorder, EVERYONE has to manage their mental health. For some it’s easier than others. But for the majority of Americans there is some focus on mental health as part of complete well-being.
The more vocal I became with my mental health struggles, the more I heard from others that faced similar issues. They found comfort in having a voice for their thoughts, ones they’d never shared with anyone, leading me to believe that the statistics of those suffering with mental health issues are grossly underreported. There’s still such a stigma.
This is why NAMI wants everyone to be part of this movement. By sharing your story, spreading awareness, or advocating for change, every action helps break this stigma and builds a more supportive world for all.
Bringing my own struggles into the light, no matter how embarrassing it was, ripped out its teeth. No longer the deadly Great White Shark tormenting me, it became a docile dolphin. I now nip every potential crisis in the bud by immediately bringing it to the light.
Silence is strong, but support is stronger.
The more we share, the bolder we become. This year’s theme, “In Every Story, There’s Strength” purports that mental health journeys are unique, but the strength found within them is universal. Each story shared is a testament to the possibility of recovery and the strength that lies within us all.
Share your mental health story with NAMI by sending in a video, a message, a quote, or using #MyMentalHealth on social media. By embracing and sharing your experiences, you empower others to do the same.
How To Share Your Story:
Video
•Short form: 30-90 seconds filmed vertically
•Direct to camera
•Warm, bright lighting
•Long form: 3-5 minutes filmed in landscape mode
•Warm, bright lighting
Audio recording
•Aim for 15-45 seconds
•Speak clearly and enunciate
•If you’d like, you may share a photo to be used alongside the audio
Written story
•Various length options:
•Social media post: 1-2 sentences
•Blog length content: 300-1,000 words
•If you’d like, you may share a photo to be used alongside your story
Visit https://www.nami.org/
Hashtag: #MyMentalHealth
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana who openly shares past mental health struggles in an effort to help others and to keep them in the past by keeping them in the light. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
