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Mental Illness Awareness Week 2021

Working Together to Advocate for Mental Health

mental illness awareness week
Each year, the first week of October is dedicated to raising awareness for mental illnesses in the continued fight against stereotyped stigma.

While mental health conditions are always important, Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) sets aside 7 full days to truly engage the public in educating and advocating for those with mental illnesses. Mental illnesses differ depending on severity, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. 1 in 5 US adults experience mental illness each year; it is important to know that you are not alone with what you are feeling.

"1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year." Millions of Americans have to live and do day-to-day activities while having a mental health condition. Statistics show that even though 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year, less than two-thirds seek treatment for their condition. Together, we as a society can work together to raise the voices of those suffering from mental health conditions, and work alongside them to advocate for better healthcare options, break the negative stigma, and spread correct information about mental illness.

Join Acenda this Mental Illness Awareness Week as we SUPPORT mental health.

Sunday, Oct. 3

Stop stigma. Negative stereotypes and stigma are one of the lead causes for those suffering to not seek professional help. Today, and every day, contest those misguided views and break the stigma.

Monday, Oct. 4

Understand mental health. Check out the Acendapedia, our mental health library, for content describing different types of mental illness. Education is key for growth!

Tuesday, Oct. 5

Promote MIAW. Post on social media! Sharing organizations' posts or posting your own original content for MIAW is a great way to spread the word.

Wednesday, October 6

Pledge a donation. You can make a donation to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) to help aid in providing mental healthcare for all, or donate to your local mental health service providers, like Acenda!

Thursday, October 7

Organize an event. Whether it's a small get together with a few family and friends, a virtual meet-up, or a community-wide event, actively spreading the word is a great way to raise awareness.

Friday, Oct. 8

Read and share stories. Our Ask Acenda series answers common mental health questions. The NAMI blog includes personal stories from real people sharing their lived experience with serious mental illness. This is a great way to educate yourself on the reality of mental illness. Sometimes it's easier to learn by reading a story rather than statistics.

Saturday, Oct. 9

Talk to others. Share your knowledge of mental illness with others, but also, check in every so often on friends, coworkers, or even strangers to ask how they are. A simple conversation can go a long way!

Each and everyone of us should seize this opportunity to raise awareness and break the stigma against mental illness. Together, we can work to support a better, more inclusive future. If you or a loved on is 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.nami.org/mhstats

https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-illness-awareness-week