A Veteran’s Mental Health Mission: Helping Men Heal and Find Community

Joel Ojida joined the Marine Corp at 19 years old, searching for a sense of stability after a difficult childhood. While serving his country, Joel experienced a traumatic brain injury and subsequent military trauma. He lost his sense of identity and was diagnosed with PTSD and Bipolar disorder. When Joel found NAMI, he found a new community and a new mission. He started a men’s support group utilizing the NAMI Connection support group model. Joel worked to create a safe space where men can share their feelings without fear or judgment because no one should be alone in the battle with mental illness.
• To learn more about NAMI Homefront resources for military members and their families, visit nami.org/homefront.
• For more information about NAMI Support Groups, visit nami.org/supportgroups.
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If you or a loved one is seeking mental health treatment or additional information on mental health:
• Visit our website at NAMI.org.
• Call our HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HELPLINE” to 62640, open Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Find your local NAMI at nami.org/findsupport
• If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis, please call or text 988, available 24/7
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NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.