Gerard

I was introduced to NAMI through a friend who asked me to join her NAMIWalks team. Once I saw the dedication and enthusiasm of the participants, I was hooked.

I know, through my own struggles with mental illness, that fighting for one’s own mental health is a life-long process. With the help of professionals, family, and evidenced-based treatments, there are great strides to be made for those working to improve their mental health. NAMI provides many invaluable resources to empower individuals to make those strides.

The brain is arguably the most complex organ in the body, so we must break down the barriers that shame us when we take care of it; just like we would heart disease, cancer or any other ailment that impairs our ability to realize the fullest extent of our true self. Another place where NAMI does invaluable work is with the #IWillListen campaign–to help break down stigma so that those who need help can seek it without hesitation or trepidation.

The NAMI community is powerful and inspiring. They back up their words with actions. That’s why I am proud to be a member.