Guest Blogger: Emily Green is a freelance writer that enjoys coffee and going for a job with her husband. She has over one thousand published articles online.
Millions of Americans suffer from mental illnesses. This includes everything from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Luckily, there are several organizations that help the cause through fundraising and mental health programs. Take a look at these seven mental health organizations and how you can get involved.
7 Organizations that Focus on Mental Health Fundraising
1. Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America conducts research and raises awareness on Alzheimer’s disease. This progressive, degenerative disorder is most commonly seen in the elderly. It involves memory loss and confusion that lead to complete dementia. Through research, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America hopes to develop preventative screenings and treatments that stop the progression of this mental disease.
You can donate money to the cause or help by spreading awareness.
2. National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides an array of support and education programs for people suffering from mental illnesses. They have an information helpline for referral services, and people suffering from mental illnesses can also participate in discussion groups through NAMI’s hundreds of online forums.
Many states have NAMI affiliates who raise awareness for mental illnesses through free education, and you can get involved, too.
3. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Suicide is an act that results from a mental illness. People suffering from depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are the most at risk. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to preventing suicide, conducting research, and helping people cope that have been affected by a suicide.
You can become an advocate in your community and reach out to people that are at risk for suicide.
4. National Association of Social Workers
Social workers provide most of the country’s mental health services. More than half of the mental health professionals in the field are clinically trained social workers, and they practice in community mental health programs, private practices, schools, hospitals, and many other places. They can help with everything, from workplace stress to life tragedies, such as suicide, divorce, or disability. They can also assist with substance abuse treatment.
Find your local NASW chapter and ask about becoming a sponsor. If you’d rather get more hands-on, look into getting your degree and start changing lives through social work.
5. Arc of the United States
The Arc of the United States protects and promotes the human rights of people with mental health disorders and developmental disabilities. They are active in public policy and also have several support services for families affected by mental illnesses such as autism, Down syndrome, and fetal alcohol syndrome. The Arc even has employment programs to help people with mental illnesses live a normal life.
You can get involved by donating money or items to your local chapter of the Arc.
6. Mental Health America
Mental Health America educates the public about mental health issues and is committed to helping all Americans live mentally healthier lives. They fund housing programs, counseling, and other services for people affected by mental illnesses.
You can donate money to Mental Health America or get involved in other ways by volunteering for one of the 240 affiliates across the country.
7. Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
Formerly known as the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation awards grants to scientists around the world. The grants are for research on mental health disorders. The organization used to focus on schizophrenia and depression, but now grants are available for anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and post traumatic stress disorder.
You can donate money to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation: 100% of that money goes towards research grants.
Be Your Own Mental Health Champion
While all of these organizations make great strides toward helping those with mental illness, there’s a way you can get involved today. If your friend has a mental illness or is worried about paying for therapy, surgery, or a medical trial, start a FundRazr campaign for him or her. You can also use FundRazr to help you pay for awareness walks and special events fundraisers in your community. Even if you just create a FundRazr campaign to raise money for one of the organizations above, you’re doing your part to increase the knowledge and treatment of mental illness.
