May is Mental Health Month. This is a good time to make a conscious effort to help make a difference for those who are plagued with a biological brain disorder. Here are some suggestions:

1. Help erase the stigma of mental illness. We all need affirmation, respect and support, not scorn and ridicule. Positive relationships are one of the most important indicators of a successful recovery for a person with a mental illness. Better yet, a smile and kind word to all the people who interact with us during the day can only help to brighten the world for everyone. I guarantee that it will make you feel better, too.

2. Support legislators and legislation that addressed the needs of those with a mental illness.

3. Learn about mental illness. The NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has wonderful Web sites loaded with all kinds of information and opportunities. Nami.org is the national site and namihelps.org is the Minnesota site. There are many excellent memoirs written by those who have struggled with a mental illness. Ask at your local bookstore or library. A favorite of mine is "An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison. There are many movies that portray the mentally ill with compassion and respect. A current movie out in the movie theaters is "The Soloist."

4. Support NAMI. NAMI - North Central Region (including the counties of Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena) is your local connection to the state and national networks. We offer education, advocacy and support as we champion justice, dignity and respect for all people affected by mental illness.

For more information or to receive our newsletter, call (888) NAMI-HELPS (prompt 6). Membership information can be found on local brochures or at the state Web site.

Utilizing these suggestions will help you to lend a hand up rather than a hand out to all who deal with this devastating illness.

(Dagny Trucano, Brainerd, is on the NAMI-North Central Region board of directors.)