Mental illness affects far more people than most realize. In fact, about one out of every four adults has some form of mental illness, as do one in every ten children. This equals roughly 60 million people in the United States who have mental illness at some level. The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, strives to make life better for those individuals who are suffering. NAMI is a grassroots mental health organization that relies on the average person to help spread the word about mental illness and to act as advocates. Of course, they have a number of healthcare professionals working and volunteering for the organization as well.

NAMI is able to operate at national, state, and local levels and they have a group in all 50 states, as well as in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The group has more than 1,200 local affiliates, and each of the satellite groups offers help, support, education, advocacy, and more to get the word out about mental illness and how it affects people.

How Can People Help NAMI?

Those who are interesting in helping people with mental illnesses don’t have to be healthcare professionals to make a difference. It’s possible to help NAMI in a number of different ways. One of the simplest is by becoming a member of the organization. Thousands of others in the United States are already members, and it costs just $35. For the price of memberships, you can be a part of NAMI at the national, state, and local level, and you will have access to the members-only section of their website. In addition, you will have a subscription to their magazine, Advocate.

Another option to help NAMI is to make a donation. The donations that people make are tax deductible, and they are a fast and simple way for someone to show support for the cause. Contacting representatives at the state and national level is another option. It will ensure that the issues of mental health are never far from the minds of the policy makers in the nation, and that is vital for NAMI to make a difference. Becoming an advocate and helping people to understand what mental illness is and how it affects the individual suffering, as well as how it affects family members and friends, is important. The NAMI website offers bountiful information on things that the average person will be able to do to help.

A forensic psychologist is able to come in with a slightly different perspective as well as knowledge of the mental illnesses that people may be suffering. The knowledge that the psychologist has can go a long way in helping to break down the stigma that many with mental illnesses face. Volunteering and helping NAMI in the above ways can be quite beneficial to the cause.

Making a Difference

Millions of people around the country are suffering from mental health issues from anxiety to depression and more. NAMI is one of the organizations that is taking a stand and making a difference. They deserve support.

Please visit http://www.nami.org/ for more information about The National Alliance on Mental Illness.