Joel Ojida
Social workerAdvocate
United States
Joel Ojida is a retired U.S. Marine Corps sergeant and social worker whose work focuses on mental-health support for veterans and other community members. He serves as Community Resource Coordinator for NAMI Greater Cleveland and has held a leadership role on NAMI’s national Service Members, Veterans, and Families Council. [3][4][5]
Career and work
Ojida served in the U.S. Marine Corps, reaching the rank of sergeant before retiring from military service. He later studied social work and earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2024. [4][3]
At NAMI Greater Cleveland, Ojida works as Community Resource Coordinator, developing partnerships that connect people with community services and support. He also founded and facilitates a men’s support group based on the NAMI Connection model. Nationally, he has served on NAMI’s Service Members, Veterans, and Families Council and was named its chair, advising NAMI leadership on issues affecting military and veteran families. [4][2][5]
What has been publicly discussed
- Ojida has publicly identified himself as living with bipolar disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. In a 2023 NAMI video, he spoke directly about both conditions while describing his mental-health journey after military service. [1]
- Ojida has described losing his sense of identity, community, and purpose after traumatic experiences during his military service. In 2015, he attempted suicide. He later said that surviving the attempt became part of a longer process of rebuilding his life and finding a new sense of community. [1]
- Ojida said in 2023 that he had been in recovery for about eight years and described his life as stable and productive. He has credited finding community and a renewed sense of purpose through NAMI as important parts of that recovery. [1]
- Ojida has focused much of his advocacy on reducing isolation among men and making it easier for them to discuss mental health without judgment. He has emphasized vulnerability, peer connection, and creating spaces where men can openly discuss difficult emotions and experiences. [2][1]
- Through NAMI’s Service Members, Veterans, and Families Council, he also works on issues affecting military and veteran families. He became chair of the council, which advises NAMI’s national board on legislation, policy, programs, and emerging issues affecting these communities. [5]
“No one is alone in this battle with mental illness. You are not alone.”
— Joel Ojida [1]
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
National Alliance on Mental Illness“Meet Joel Ojida, a Marine veteran…” NAMI’s video transcript in which Ojida discusses bipolar disorder, complex PTSD, his 2015 suicide attempt, recovery, community, and peer support.
National Alliance on Mental Illness“A Veteran’s Mental Health Mission: Helping Men Heal and Find Community” Profiles Ojida’s lived experience and his work creating a mental-health support group for men.
National Alliance on Mental Illness“Hope Starts With Us: Support on the Homefront – Military & Families” Describes Ojida’s Marine Corps service, social-work career, support-group work, and involvement with NAMI’s veterans council.
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National Association of Social Workers, Ohio Chapter“2024 Regional Award Winners” Documents Ojida’s social-work education, NAMI Greater Cleveland position, support-group work, and service to military and veteran communities.
NAMI Greater Cleveland“The Voice — Winter 2026” Documents Ojida’s appointment as chair of NAMI’s Service Members, Veterans, and Families Council and describes the council’s national advisory role.
Learn more
Recommended books and other resources about Joel Ojida and their experiences.