Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. During the month of May, the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) and the rest of the country are bringing awareness to mental illness.

In 2013, President Obama proclaim May as National Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to help people to become informed, aware, and to understand the concept of mental illness and brain disorders.

NAMI supports families and educates the community regarding mental illness. There are brain disorders which are biologically based, and it’s no one’s “fault.” The more people learn about the disorders, the more they are able to help themselves, their loved ones, and the rest of the community understand the effects of mental illness.

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country. NAMI is dedicated to eradication of mental illness and to improving the quality of life for persons of all ages who are affected by mental illnesses.

NAMI members and friends work to fulfill the mission by providing support, education, and advocacy. For more information, visit www.nami.org.