NAMI Interview Article

By Sola Fidé Johnson

Mental health is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Nearly 20% of U.S. adults have anxiety, and nearly 9% have experienced a major depressive episode. There are many organizations that assist the mental health community. One organization at the forefront of this is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Maggie Luo, the Chief Communication Officer of NAMI New Jersey (NAMI NJ), shared some insights about their goals, services, support, and techniques.

NAMI is “dedicated to improving the lives of the individuals and families affected by mental illness” and “envisions a world where all people affected by mental health challenges live healthy, fulfilling lives surrounded by a community that cares.” Through education, support systems, advocacy, and public awareness, NAMI aims to help those affected by mental health challenges build better lives.

Ways that NAMI is achieving this goal include breaking it down into four smaller goals: encouraging early mental health care, connecting people with the best care possible, diverting them from the justice system, and achieving New Jersey–centered goals. Luo emphasized the importance of providing people with proper mental health services, as prison has become the largest mental health facility.

NJ is a very diverse state, and one in five of its residents has a mental illness. NAMI NJ has been serving its regional population for over 40 years through education, support, and advocacy. Their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is evident in their award-winning multicultural programs: ACT Now (for the Black community), NAMI en Español (for Hispanic/Latinx communities), CAMHOP (for Chinese communities), and SAMHAJ (for South Asian communities).

They pride themselves on being the “peer voice,” with a peer-led call service free of charge for the community. They work with nonprofits, schools, and hospitals for education and support. People can get connected with this organization through their website, presentations, health fairs, support groups, or their Statewide NJ helpline/warmline.

In addition to direct services, one of their creative and holistic programs is The Dara Axelrod Expressive Arts Poetry Program. Now in its 11th year, it invites people of all ages to share their experiences through poetry. This year’s theme is “What prompts clarity for you?” This program is very special because it is a looking glass of lived experiences and speaks to the idea that “you are not alone.”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Throughout NAMI’s website and media, they are sharing stories from the community. This year’s NAMI national theme is “In every story there is strength.” Luo explains how, while mental health stories are unique, the strength found within these journeys is universal. This theme “highlights the resilience and diverse experiences that shape mental health journeys within their communities,” all while sharing the “ability of recovery and the strength that lies within us all.”

Luo finished with key advice for college students struggling with mental health issues, in particular depression and anxiety. “It’s important for us to get educated,” she said, “because stigma is created by ignorance.” She urged students to learn about their own mental health patterns and plan for the future. For students entering college with pre-existing mental health conditions, Luo recommended preparing ahead with a crisis plan and ongoing treatment coordination. For those without a prior mental health diagnosis, she suggested establishing healthy habits, building routines, and proactively learning about available support services.

The average delay between the onset of mental health symptoms and getting treatment is eleven years. This needs to be fixed. It is important for people to be open and talk about mental health, because while mental illness is an individual issue, recovery happens in a community.

Song Info:
Song: Leaving
Composer: AERØHEAD
Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoZbM1a4PKQ6haa2Ap4TSdg
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