Working to Stamp Out the Stigma of Mental Illness

Mental illness touches nearly every American family. Almost 60 million individuals experience a mental health condition every year. Regardless of race, age, religion or economic status, mental illness impacts the lives of at least one in four adults and one in 10 children across the United States. These families have another barrier to overcome—the stigma often associated with mental illness.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, is working hard to support families impacted by mental illness and to eliminate its stigma. One of the organization’s key events every year, Light the Darkness, NAMI Chicago’s annual awards dinner, brings people together to illuminate the path to change and raise funds for NAMI’s important work.

Nash Disability Law was proud to be a supporter of the April 28 Light the Darkness event which was attended by ten of our attorneys and staff members.

In explaining the goals of the event, NAMI says, “Our conversations create understanding. Our support will dismantle the stigma. And our collective spark will ignite empowerment and recovery. We are so grateful to all who [supported] this inspirational evening.”

NAMI works every day to save every life. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. We at Nash Disability Law encourage you to take advantage of NAMI’s vast resources, whether you or a loved one live with mental illness, and to support NAMI in any way you can. Contact us today if you have questions about available resources for mental health conditions.

Lawrence Mabes

About The Author: Lawrence Mabes

Lawrence Mabes is a Chicago Social Security Disability lawyer at Nash Disability Law who has helped thousands of people secure crucial benefits to stabilize their lives after health disruptions. Lawrence has taken over 1,000 cases to Social Security Disability hearings. He has served as chair of the Chicago Bar Association Social Security Law Committee. He speaks English and Spanish fluently.