Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. In honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week from Oct. 2 to 8, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and participants across the country are raising awareness of mental illness and dispelling myths.
NAMI of Logan and Champaign Counties is sponsoring an Awareness walk for Mental Illness Awareness Week from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at the West Liberty Lions Park shelter house 3.There will be T shirts, prizes and more.
“Every year during Mental Illness Awareness Week, we educate the public, eliminate stigma and advocate for better access to mental health care. And each year, our movement grows stronger,” said Pete Floyd, president of NAMI of Logan and Champaign Counties.
“We are calling on everyone to join NAMI and raise awareness by sharing the WhyCare? Campaign and dispel harmful myths. Care is a simple word, but a powerful way to change lives for people affected by mental illness.”
Welcome and introductions are planned from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, followed by a NAMI speaker and stories of recovery.
A flower release is planned for 11:30 a.m., kicking off the walk. Lunch is served at noon, and door prizes and a raffle are offered.
There are many ways to get involved with NAMI and show you care by sharing stories about how you care for others, how support or care you received has impacted your journey, or what it means to have access to treatment and quality care.
Since 1990, when Congress officially established the first full week of October as MIAW, advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large and small, to educate the public about mental illness.
One in five adults experience mental illness every year, and 50 percent of chronic mental illness begins by age 14.
Although many people today understand that mental illness is a medical condition, there are too many myths surrounding mental health conditions, NAMI representatives noted. And with these myths comes stigma, misunderstanding and discrimination.
As a leading voice, NAMI is helping break down myths and increase understanding with this year’s MIAW campaign.
“We believe that mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round, but highlighting them during MIAW provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice,” Floyd said.
This year, NAMI is calling on everyone to become informed and dispel the harmful myths surrounding mental illness and increase acceptance in the community.
NAMI offers information about mental illness conditions, symptoms and treatment at www.nami.org or through the Helpline at (800) 950-NAMI (6264). Learn more about Mental Illness Awareness Week at www.nami.org/miaw.