With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the nation, our country’s mental health is in a precarious position.  Lockdowns can exacerbate symptoms of mental health disorders leading to a flood of issues, including domestic violence and child abuse.  

Nonprofit organizations dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness have little to no financial margins.  Therefore, given the current global circumstances, it is an ideal time for those who have the financial means to support our mental health nonprofit organizations.  Here are a few for consideration.

Mental Health America (MHA)

Mental Health America was founded in 1999 and provides community-based preventative programs to those with mental health illnesses. The best way to keep your teeth healthy is through regular brushing/flossing, and MHA believes a similar preventative strategy works best for mental health. This means identifying and treating potential mental health disorders before they become serious. Additionally, MHA provides educational resources to reduce the stigma around mental health disorders.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

NIMH is a federal agency that leads research efforts for mental health disorders. NIMH is part of the broader NIH (National Institute of Health) organization and falls under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NIMH is the largest scientific research organization devoted to mental health in the U.S. A donation to NIMH is a donation to answering the big questions around mental health. From where do these diseases originate? What makes them so devastating? What can we do to prevent and cure them?

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

NAMI is one of the largest grassroots mental health organizations in the world. NAMI has hundreds of local affiliates and volunteers that provide education, resources, and events in local communities to raise awareness of the dangers of mental illnesses and support those who suffer from them. NAMI relies on education and community to tackle mental health issues. They provide free educational materials, and those struggling with mental health can sign up for support groups or participate in online message boards to find others facing similar problems.