Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is a weeklong campaign led by the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) to raise awareness of mental illness, fight stigma, educate the public, and advocate for equal care. It’s held every year on the first full week of October, and this year it is from Oct. 2-8.
Mental Illness Awareness Week
In 1990, the U.S. Congress established Mental Illness Awareness Week in support of the efforts by the National Alliance on Mental Illness to raise awareness and educate about mental health. During this week, many mental health advocates, communities, and organizations hold events and activities like educational sessions, campaigns, health fairs, art & music events, candlelight vigils, and benefit runs. These different events help bring awareness, educate the public, and make change for equal care concerning mental illnesses like anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia.
Mental Health Statistics in the U.S.
- According to NAMI, 1 in 5 or 43.8 million adults experience a mental illness.
- About 1 in 25 adults experiences a serious mental illness, which considerably interferes or limits major life activities.
- Approximately 1 in 5 youth aged 13 to 18 experiences a severe mental disorder at some point in their life. For children aged 8 to 15, the estimate is 13%.
Mental illness is more common than many people think. However, many people with mental illness don’t receive the mental health services they need. There are severe consequences from lack of treatment. It could lead to other serious medical conditions and prevent them from fully healing and recovering.
Stigma Against Mental Illness
Through the help of the media, the internet, and television the public has definitely become more aware and accepting of mental illness, but much work still needs to be done to educate the public. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma against mental illnesses in the classrooms, workplace, and society. The stigma of mental illness can cause social distancing, where people with mental illness are isolated from others.Stigma and social distancing can often cause a delay in the process of coping and healing for the individual living with mental illness. However, much can be done to counteract the stereotypes against mental illness. Increasing awareness is one of the most important ways. Also, educating the public on how to help someone living with a mental illness is necessary to get rid of the stigma. Learn more about how to support friends and family with mental illnesses.
Stigma and social distancing can often cause a delay in the process of coping and healing for the individual living with mental illness. However, much can be done to counteract the stereotypes against mental illness. Increasing awareness is one of the most important ways. Also, educating the public on how to help someone living with a mental illness is necessary to get rid of the stigma. Learn more about how to support friends and family with mental illnesses.It is critical that people with mental illness realize that they are not alone and there is
It is critical that people with mental illness realize that they are not alone and there is support to help them through the difficult times. Bring awareness by attending this year’s Mental Illness Awareness Week activities and events near you. You can also learn more about mental illness and health on our blog and website.