NAMI NYC: Breaking Stigmas and Fostering Mental Health Conversations
In a world where mental health issues affect millions of people, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) NYC is making a significant impact by normalizing conversations about mental health, providing support, and advocating for better policies. Patti Billings and Leah Levitte are actively involved with NAMI NYC, holding important roles within the organization. In our conversation, they discussed their role in the organization's initiatives and their challenges in battling mental health stigmas.
Patti Billings, the Community Education Coordinator at NAMI NYC, explains how her life led her to NAMI. Through lived experience with mental health challenges, Patti found the lack of mental health resources and funding frustrating. She decided to return to school and study community health education to address mental health needs.
Leah Levitte is a volunteer with NAMI-NYC, specializing in delivering the "Ending the Silence" presentation to students. Leah shares that her motivation stems from her desire to address her own mental health struggles and create an open dialogue about mental health for students. NAMI NYC's "Ending the Silence" program is a powerful 50-minute presentation designed for students in grades 6 through 12. This presentation covers ways to recognize warning signs of mental health challenges, seek help, address self-harm and suicidality, and normalize mental health conversations. The presentation combines informative content with personal anecdotes from individuals who have experienced mental health challenges, allowing students to connect with the material on a deeper level.
Despite progress in mental health awareness, Billings and Levitte acknowledge that challenges persist. Some parents may dismiss their children's mental health concerns, viewing them as typical adolescent issues. Cultural and religious stigmas can also hinder open conversations about mental health. Billings and Levitte emphasize the importance of breaking down these barriers through communication, understanding, and mental health resources.
NAMI NYC's tireless efforts in breaking stigmas, fostering open conversations, and advocating for mental health have significantly impacted youth in New York City. Patti Billings and Leah Levitte show the dedication and passion that drive the organization's mission. By sharing their personal experiences and insights, they inspire others to join the cause and create a brighter future for mental health awareness and support.
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