May 2025

This month, we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM), and to show the power of our personal stories and highlight our lived experiences, the theme this year is “In Every Story, There’s Strength.”

Behind every NAMI advocate and supporter lies a deeply personal motivation — a story that fuels their commitment to mental health support. That’s what makes the hard work feel worthwhile: knowing that the dedication we put into every day makes navigating mental health conditions and stigma easier for even one person. The power of our stories — the strength in our vulnerability — has the power to make a difference.

NAMI Northern Virginia’s mission is driven by the experiences of our community members. By highlighting your stories that embody your commitment to NAMI and the work we do, we hope to showcase how our work impacts our community, and show why mental health awareness is so important to us.

Mental health journeys are unique, but the strength found within them is universal. We hope you will consider sharing your story with us. Whether you’re a peer, a family member, an elected official, a business owner, or a concerned citizen, you have a story and we want to hear it.

Find more information on how to best share your story HERE or using the button below.

Join us on Thursday, May 15 for a FREE, in-person

NAMI In Our Own Voice

Thursday, May 15th | 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM

Westover Library, 1644 McKinley Rd #3, Arlington, VA 22205

NAMI In Our Own Voice is a presentation for the general public to promote awareness of mental health conditions and recovery, while changing attitudes, assumptions and ideas about people with mental health conditions. These presentations provide a personal perspective of mental health conditions, as leaders with lived experience talk openly about what it’s like to have a mental health condition.

What to Expect:

• An opportunity to hear open and honest perspectives on a highly misunderstood topic
• A chance to ask leaders questions, allowing for a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and dispelling of stereotypes and misconceptions
• The understanding that people with mental health conditions have lives enriched by hopes, dreams and goals
• Information on how to learn more about mental health and get involved with the mental health community

Thursday, May 15th | 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM

Westover Library, 1644 McKinley Rd #3, Arlington, VA 22205

There is no cost to attend. Registration not required.

BE PART OF OUR WORK!

Do you have a passion for mental health in our community? Do you want to make a difference in your neighbors’ lives? Volunteer with us!

Take a look at some of our volunteer opportunities HERE. Complete the volunteer interest form on our website or reach out to Nancy at volunteer@nami-nova.org with your interest.

BECOME A PARTNER IN HOPE

One month of awareness, twelve months of impact. Set up a recurring donation and help us make Mental Health Awareness Month last all year long.

With a recurring donation, you can help ensure our support, education, and advocacy continue all year.

Learn more HERE.

APPLY TO BE ON OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NAMI Northern Virginia is accepting applications for its Board of Directors. The NAMI Northern Virginia Board of Directors works collaboratively with our executive director to govern (not manage) and set strategy for our organization

To apply, please click HERE

All applications must be received by May 31, 2025