We are all in this together.

There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, but one thing remains clear: People need access to mental health care and support. NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, is here to ensure that no one is alone on their mental health journey.

May 2020 is Mental Health Month. Mental Illness does not discriminate.

Since 1949, Mental Health America and our NAMI affiliates across the country have led the observance of “May is Mental Health Month” by reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. We welcome other organizations to join us in spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care about by using the “May is Mental Health Month” tool kit materials and conducting awareness activities.

You can find a complete list of resources on nami.org under “May is Mental Health Month.”

While one in five people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. In 2020, our theme of “Tools 2 Thrive” will provide practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency, regardless of the situations they are dealing with.

We now believe that these tools — even those that may need to be adapted for the short term because of COVID-19 and social distancing — will be more useful than ever. Locally, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Rio Rancho campus can be contacted by calling their clinic at 994-5050, and NAMI-Westside can be contacted at namirioranchonm.org to see current announcements and a list of programs, although many will not be available for some time, looking forward to the end of COVID-19.

The website is interactive, so write us a question and send it to us or contact us by email at [email protected]. You will receive an answer promptly.

As a reminder: All of our group meetings, classes and opportunities to attend any of our education night meetings and events are absolutely free.

(Marilyn Salzman is the president of NAMI-Westside.)