5 Ways to Raise Awareness & Change Lives

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This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Here are 5 simple but effective ways you can raise awareness and change the lives of people affected by mental illness. No need to wait until October 4. Get started today!

  1. GET EDUCATED.
    • Register for the “Stepping Up” Community Forum on jail diversion and mental illness we are co-hosting with Austin Travis County Integral Care (ATCIC) on Wednesday, October 7 from 1-3:00 p.m.  Learn more and register here.
    • Sign up for a free 6-week NAMI Basics class for parents & caregivers of children and teens with early onset of behavioral or mental health concerns starting October 13.
    • Register for a Mental Health First Aid training with ATCIC this fall.
  2. BE STIGMA FREE.
    • Use person first language and encourage others to do the same. “He has bipolar disorder” not “He is bipolar.”
    • Get your green “Stamp Out Stigma” bracelet or a “Stigma Free” temporary tattoo at the NAMI Austin office.
    • Take the Stigma Free pledge.
  3. RAISE YOUR VOICE.
    • Tell your legislators to pass mental health reform this fall. Learn more about the current 2016 budget bills here.
    • Share your mental health story with others. Storytelling is a powerful way to end the stigma, and it gives others the courage to talk.
    • Forward this email to friends and tell people about NAMI Austin. Many don’t know about our free programming!
  4. BE A FRIEND.
    • Small acts of kindness show you care. A card, some flowers, a nice meal or a favorite book and your presence can be comforting and assuring. Click here for more ideas.
    • Reach out to people if they seem isolated, so they know they are not alone.
    • Offer to help with grocery shopping, driving, childcare or making appointments.
  5. SUPPORT FREE MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMMING.
    • NAMI Austin has touched the lives of almost 70,000 people this year with its outreach and free programs. Here’s what people are saying about our programming.
    • Help us continue expanding our programming and changing lives by making a small donation to our Walk and moving us closer to our goal!

“This class overall was the single most, without a doubt, helpful and informative thing ever offered in all my years searching for answers.”

CLICK HERE TO CHANGE LIVES

 

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