Beginning tomorrow, October 2, Americans are marking Mental Illness Awareness Week. The event runs through October 9th.
According to an American study, 1 in 17 people (about six per cent of the population) live with a mental illness such as bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia, yet "many of these individuals and their families don't know where to turn for mental health resources and support." The research was one by an American Disability Service company, Allsup.
The poster for the week has the toll-free National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine, which is 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). The HelpLine is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm Eastern Time.
The free posters are available for download or mail at Allsup's Web site. (The poster for Mental Health Awareness Week is close to the bottom of the Allsup page on the web site.)
As some of you know already, Bear has lived with chronic depression since his teens. I haven't talked a whole lot about it in the past, but now some conversation seems appropriate.
Who knows if a poster, perhaps in your work place, or church, or community centre, might help someone.
Blessings and Bear hugs, folks.
Showing posts with label Mental Illness Awareness Week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mental Illness Awareness Week. Show all posts
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)