Sharing Hope: Speaking with African Americans about Mental Health
Lack of information and misconceptions surrounding mental health issues prevent many members of the African American community from getting the help and support they need. Sharing Hope is an hour-long presentation that can help increase mental health awareness in African American communities by addressing a number of important topics:
- The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression
- How to talk about mental health and decrease stigma
- An overview of recovery and how it’s possible
- The types of mental health services and supports available, including NAMI education and support programs
What’s Included in the Presentation?
- A presenter team made up of at least two individuals–a person living with a mental health condition and a family member of a person with a mental health condition.
- A scripted 60-minute interactive dialogue centered on the presenters’ personal connections to mental health and journeys to recovery.
- A handout for presentation audiences, Sharing Hope: An African American Guide to Mental Health. This educational booklet provides mental health information through personal stories and highlights how and where to find help.
- Detailed checklists, practice sheets and other materials to help you make community connections and plan a successful presentation.
The tools and resources in Sharing Hope are all modifiable, so they can be adapted to fit your needs and resources.
How Do I Start Sharing Hope?
Sharing Hope requires you to reach out and build relationships in your community.
You must be directly involved with a NAMI State Organization or NAMI Affiliate to use these resources. Get started by downloading the materials release form.
If you have any questions, please contact the NAMI Multicultural Action Center.
Sharing Hope has been adapted for the Latino community. Click here to learn more about Compartiendo Esperanza, a fully bilingual adaptation of this initiative.