Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW

Assistant Secretary, DMH/DD/SUS

World Mental Health Day

Real Stories from People Who Understand

Saturday, October 10 is World Mental Health Day and this year’s theme is Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change. In that spirit, we are sharing stories from NAMI about people with lived experience around mental health challenges. Their stories are both difficult and inspiring and we are grateful for their willingness to speak out. 

Kimberly Comer’s story: People Need Help, Not Handcuffs: Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System | NAMI  

Stephanie Robertson’s story: Bridging the Gap: Why Black Voices Must Shape Mental Health Research | NAMI  

Sheldon A. Jacobs’ story: From Gang Member to Mental Health Advocate | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness 

In case you missed it, we are also resharing our July Side by Side webinar for Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, where speakers discuss their lived experiences and the changes they hope to see in our system.

Side by Side with DMHDDSUS, Improving our system together: July 13, 2026 

This Saturday, join us in taking some time to listen to those who understand what it's like to live with mental illness.

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