(Submitted by National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Mental Illness Awareness Week is Oct. 1–7. Each year, the first full week of October provides an opportunity to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care.
One in five adults experiences mental illness problems every year, and 50% of chronic mental illness begins by age 14. Although many people today understand that mental illness is a medical condition, individuals and families affected by mental illness are still often subjected to stigma and discrimination.
This year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is calling on everyone to get “Into Mental Health” and replace stigma with hope.
Follow NAMI Wood County on Facebook for great material on being Inspired, Informed and Involved locally!
Part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, National Depression Screening Day is Thursday Oct. 5. Take this anonymous questionnaire that can help identify potential signs of depression www.mentalhealthscreening.org/
“We are calling on everyone to join NAMI and replace stigma with hope by pledging to be #StigmaFree,” said Terra Davenport, Director of Programs at NAMI Wood County.
To take the #StigmaFree pledge, visit www.nami.org/stigmafree. NAMI offers information about mental illness conditions, symptoms and treatment at www.nami.org or through its HelpLine at 800-950-NAMI (6264).
Learn more about Mental Illness Awareness Week at www.nami.org/miaw.
