This Mental Health Awareness Month, remember the impact of community | Opinion

Like so many across our state, we at NAMI Tennessee are heartbroken over the loss of our longtime friend, Naomi Judd.

Naomi was a fierce advocate for those struggling with mental health conditions and partnered with NAMI Tennessee to raise awareness, funds, and offer support to people struggling during the pandemic lockdown by connecting in virtual video meet and greets. Meanwhile, she publicly and bravely opened up about her struggle with depression.

Suicide is far too common. In fact, it is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one person takes their own life every 11 minutes.

If you or a loved one need immediate help, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. To talk to a licensed professional or find resources near you, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text NAMI to 741-741.

To honor Naomi and the millions of people impacted by mental illness every day, we invite you to join us in the fight to decrease the stigma of mental illness and improve the lives of those who are suffering. NAMI Tennessee supports, educates, and advocates for people who are living with mental illness and their caregivers.

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Supporting people with mental illness through community

NAMI believes in the power of community to support people with mental illness. NAMI Tennessee has 22 affiliates across the state that offer free, peer-taught support groups - not only for individuals with mental illness, but also for their family members, caregivers, and friends. By sharing experiences in a safe setting, participants can gain hope and develop supportive relationships in a non-judgmental space.

If you are looking to get involved, we encourage you to join us at one of four NAMIWalks events happening simultaneously across Tennessee on May 21st. Walks in Franklin, Knoxville, and Jackson will be followed with a family picnic where all are welcome to join for free food and entertainment while learning more about mental health in their community.

The one-mile walk in Nashville features a 5K race and Pup Parade. Our goal is to open up doors for everyone from every walk of life to have access to the mental health resources and community they deserve.

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Education Is at the heart of what we do

With large increases in depression and anxiety among all age groups, genders, and races, particularly teens and young adults, the COVID-19 pandemic has shined a light on the importance of mental health and access to treatment. Even still, discrimination against people with mental illness continues. The fear of discussing mental illness, the misconceptions of who mental illness impacts, and the lack of understanding about treatment can lead to further negative impacts on people with mental illness.

At NAMI Tennessee, we offer programs designed to help participants gain a greater understanding of mental illness, develop better coping skills, worry less and feel empowered to advocate for better treatment services. We offer programs to anyone who is interested, both online and in-person. Learn more here.

Advocacy can lead to change in our mental health system

Everyone who experiences mental illness deserves the right mental health services and support. Recovery is possible and treatment works. Unfortunately, many Tennesseans who experience mental illness or mental health problems lack access to the services and support they want and need.

NAMI Tennessee advocates for better mental health funding, treatment, services, and parity, working to ensure mental health is prioritized equally to physical health..

At a time when mental health is top of mind for so many, we encourage you to get involved. Whether you attend one of our NAMIWalks and family picnics, support mental health resources financially, share the crisis line number with someone in need, or fight for better treatment for the underserved, there is something for everyone.

If you need help finding resources and support in Tennessee, call our NAMI Tennessee Helpline at 1-800-467-3589 or visit our website namitn.org.

Jeff Fladen is the executive director of National Alliance on Mental Health Tennessee.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How community, education and advocacy play a huge role in mental health awareness