Mental Illness Awareness Week 2021
We have officially kicked off Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW)! This week is all about education, awareness, and advocation for mental healthcare equality and breaking stigma.
Did you know that one of the main reasons people don't immediately seek treatment for their mental illnesses is because they don't recognize the symptoms? During Mental Illness Awareness Week, Acenda is launching our mental health library, Acendapedia, which catalogues definitions, causes, symptoms, and treatments for various mental illnesses from A-Z.
- Anxiety is the response to stress in the body. These disorders often evoke feelings of fear, distress, and uneasiness. These feelings often get in the way of daily life and reduce overall productivity. Over 21% of adults (42.5 million) are affected by anxiety disorder.
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is common for children to have behavioral or focus issues at one point or another, but in children with ADHD, these issues are more severe, prolonged, and impactful.
- Bipolar disorder is a disorder characterized by a fluctuation between extreme highs and lows within mood and energy. More than 3.3 million American adults (1.7%) are affected by bipolar disorder. Check out five myths and truths about bipolar disorder.
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition in which a person finds it hard to stop thinking about one or more perceived flaws or defects in their appearance. People with BDD may find it hard to focus on things other than their appearance.
- Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe the loss of memory, function, and overall thinking to the point where it disrupts daily living. There are several types of dementia with varying levels of severity. The most common form of dementia, which accounts for 60 – 80% of dementia cases is Alzheimer's Disease.
- Depression causes a lack of motivation in all aspects of life, and can potentially lead to suicidal thoughts. Depression affects those of all ages, and it's important to validate your feelings of depression instead of deeming it simple bouts of sadness.
- Impulse Control Disorder is a disorder that makes it hard for people to control their impulses or behaviors. The most common forms of this disorder include, pyromania, trichotillomania, kleptomania, intermittent explosive disorder, and unspecified impulse-control disorder.
- Neuroticism is a personality trait, not a disorder. It is defined as tending towards depression, anxiety, self-doubt, and other negative feelings.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder that features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and behaviors. The unwanted thoughts and fears are called obsessions, while repetitive behaviors are called compulsions. These behaviors can interfere with daily activities and cause major stress to an individual.
- Panic Disorder is characterized by having frequent panic attacks. A person with panic disorder will experience repeated, sudden panic attacks, a feeling of being out of control during a panic attack, a fear or intense worry about when the next panic attack may occur, and avoidance of going out to places or doing things that may cause another attack.
- Paranoia is the constant feeling of being under threat or worrying that something bad might happen. The three main types of paranoia are paranoid personality disorder, delusional disorder, and paranoid schizophrenia.
- Personality Disorders include a wide array of subcategories that fall into 3 clusters. Cluster A is characterized by odd or eccentric behavior, Cluster B by overemotional, unpredictable behavior, and Cluster C by anxious, fearful behavior.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that usually happens after a traumatic experience. These experiences can range from military combat to sexual assault. Any experience an individual feels is traumatic, or life-threatening, can lead to PTSD. PTSD affects over 12 million American adults. Can you develop PTSD from a relationship? Find out here.
Taking a mental health screening for each of these conditions or reaching out to a professional is the first step to determine a diagnosis. Raise your voice to advocate for change this Mental Illness Awareness Week! If you or a loved one may be suffering from mental illness, clinicians in our Counseling & Wellness Centers are available to help.
Call our main number at 844-4-ACENDA (844-422-3632 X9500) for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Sources:
https://www.mhanational.org/mental-illness-awareness-week
https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-illness-awareness-week