National Alliance on Mental Illness

Strong social connection is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety, increased resilience, and improved long-term health outcomes. When people feel accepted and understood, their nervous system quite literally feels safer.

Support systems don’t have to be traditional to be valid.

Four smiling individuals take a selfie, appearing joyful and close. Below, text reads: "Chosen Family is who shows up with love." A list follows: "intentional support networks, provide a sense of belonging, acceptance, and emotional safety, help reduce isolation, celebrate you for you." The NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) logo is at the bottom.

“Chosen family” refers to the people we intentionally build relationships with who provide care, support, and belonging — regardless of biological ties.

A greeting card from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) features four heart-shaped candies. The messages read: "You Are Not Alone," "Loved As You Are," "You Are Enough," and "One Step At A Time." A blue ribbon decorates the top left corner.

A decorative card with four heart-shaped designs. Each heart contains a supportive message: "You've Got This," "Help Is Here," "Be Gentle With Yourself," and "It's OK to Pause." The top right of the card features the NAMI logo, representing the National Alliance on Mental Illness. A blue ribbon decorates the upper left corner.

A graphic featuring four colorful heart shapes with messages: "Progress, Not Perfection," "Strong In Your Own Way," "No Estás Solo," and "You Matter." The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) logo is at the top right. A ribbon decorates the top left corner.

A Valentine from NAMI to you 💙

You are not alone.
You are enough.
You matter.

Tag someone who’s part of your support system or share this with someone who needs the reminder. 💙

#ValentinesDay #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthMatters

Slightly opaque photograph of a person sitting outside on a sunny day, a journal on their lap as they handwrite thoughts into the pages. A white rectangle in the style of the Notes app is located at the top of the image, with the words "listening to yourself is an act of courage" typed into the rectangle. At the bottom center of the image is the logo for the national alliance for mental illness.

If you needed a gentle reminder today: your voice counts, and honoring it is part of caring for your mental health.

Parenting doesn’t stop when your kids grow up — and neither do the challenges.

NAMI support groups offer a safe space to connect, share, and heal with others who understand. 💚

Learn more and find a group near you: nami.org/supportgroups

They also host the annual NAMIWalks – an event to help you meet and get to know the people at your local NAMI.

Find a NAMI near you today: nami.org/findsupport

NAMI affiliates host classes, support groups and more, creating a community of people all dedicated towards fostering understanding and healing for themselves and their loved ones.

How can engaging with your community support your mental health?

If you are seeking peers who are also on a journey towards learning about mental health conditions, or a place to be involved with events raising awareness of mental health - your local NAMI is here for you!

NAMIWalks is back, bringing communities together to raise awareness for mental health in 2025!

Find a walk near you and be part of the change. Each location has its own date and time, so visit NAMIWalks.org to connect with your local event.

👟Who’s walking with us?? #NAMIWalks

At NAMI, we embrace voices of lived experience while using numbers to show the impact of mental health conditions.

Remember: every number represents unique stories from people navigating their mental health journeys.

Mental Health By The Numbers is here to help you learn more: nami.org/mhstats

An illustration featuring green and navy blue color blocking, and an outline of a bullhorn to call people to action. The words "advocate, share your story, and make a difference" are located underneath the bullhorn in large bolded font. Below that in smaller font are the words "join our movement and #act4mentalhealth"

Did you know NAMI advocates in Washington DC, and NAMI affiliates advocate for local change in their communities?

From health care to housing to criminalization–NAMI's advocates work to make a difference for people experiencing mental health conditions. Join NAMI advocacy today: nami.org/takeaction

Orange square with the words "How to support the children and young people in my life with a mental health condition" The words NAMI BASICS is beneath that in bolded letters.

Orange square with the words "tell me more!" in large bolded font towards the top. In smaller words, the words "A free 6 session education program for parents, caregivers and other family members who provide care for youth(ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms."

A square with an orange background. The words "What Else?" are at the top in large bolded font. In smaller font are the words "you'll find support, resources and shared understanding and empathy from people who truly get your situation."

A square with an orange background with the words "learn more and sign up at nami.org/basics."

Many people first encounter mental health challenges in youth & adolescence. For parents & family, learning about youth mental health concerns can feel overwhelming & isolating.

NAMI Basics offers education, support & connection so families don’t navigate it alone. Join a program: nami.org/basics

Square image with blue & teal gradient colors. A circle outline shape fills the image, with the words "NAMI is here for you" within the circle shape. The logo for the National Alliance of Mental Illness is located above the words.

Hi friends! We’re NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and we’re so excited to be here.💚

Let’s make this space one where we lift each other up. Follow along for mental health tips, stories, and ways to get support. You’re not alone—we’ve got you. 💙

🌍 Learn more: nami.org
#YouAreNotAlone