Mental Health: Providing Virtual Help with NAMI Maryland

Presenter: Gabriella Michel, Psychology, Global Public Health Scholars

My practicum project was with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Maryland. NAMI Maryland is the NAMI state organization in Maryland, which provides outreach, advocacy, resources, events and support for mental health. NAMI delivers several different programs to help those affected by mental illness. During my internship with NAMI Maryland, I worked behind the scenes to aid in various projects within the organization. I worked to research different topics and people and input data into the database. I made follow-up phone calls for projects. I helped to consolidate and organize racial equity assessments for the organization to use. I was involved in several different webinars, including family engagement webinars, a resiliency and mental wellness for first responders webinar, and a depression webinar. I helped to moderate those webinars, and also worked to create online fact sheets containing information provided in the webinars. I was able to get involved in many different areas, worked with incredible people and learned a lot from my time at NAMI Maryland.

6 Comments

Sherry Chen

May 06, 2021

Hi Gabriella! Do you think that there are racial differences in mental illness stigma?

gabbymichel20

May 06, 2021

Replying to

Hi! I definitely do think there are some racial differences in mental illness stigma. I think that first off, racial and ethnic differences may work to shape mental illness stigma as people from different backgrounds grow up with different views on mental health, what it means, and getting help. I also think that mental health and illness stigma is higher among ethnic minorities than majorities. Racial and ethnic minorities often face other social adversities as well such as poverty and discrimination within institutions and policies. This only makes the consequences of mental health stigma even more difficult for racial minorities.

Jolie Sherman

May 06, 2021

How does NAMI Maryland stand out in providing a safe and inclusive environment for individuals that suffer with mental health? What specific types of activities are held at these programs to combat misconceptions?

gabbymichel20

May 06, 2021

Replying to

NAMI Maryland stands out in providing a safe and inclusive environment for individuals that suffer with mental health by providing crisis help with a crisis text line. They also have a warmline to provide information and resources to callers looking for information about mental illness topics. NAMI Maryland also has several personal support programs, as well as programs for family and friend support. Though these programs they provide information on certain mental illnesses, how to manage them, how to find services and treatments, and provide recovery and support all to help those in need and combat misconceptions.

Tina Li

May 01, 2021

From your experience, what is the main cause of the shortage of mental health care and providers?

gabbymichel20

May 03, 2021

Replying to

From my knowledge and experience, the shortage of mental health care and providers is primarily due to a lack of funding and infrastructure. The demand for health services is stronger than ever, but despite this demand and awareness, care is still not easily accessible to everyone. Providers need adequate funding for staff, and a variety of practices and technologies, which they do not always get.