Three Ways To Honor Mental Illness Awareness Week
Mental illnesses can be common. Research indicates that, in the United States, more than one in five people may experience a mental health condition. Despite the prevalence of mental health struggles, the mental illness stigma tends to remain. Mental Illness Awareness Week, which happens every October 1 through October 7, can provide an opportunity to destigmatize mental illness and raise awareness for those living with mental health conditions. If you’re experiencing mental health challenges, consider reaching out to a therapist online or in your local area.
The history of Mental Illness Awareness Week
Mental Illness Awareness Week was established in 1990 by Congress to bring attention to mental health and provide a time for mental health advocates to join together as one unified voice in support of those struggling with mental illnesses.
Since 1990, mental health advocates across the country have sponsored activities and events in support of mental health awareness. If you’re interested in celebrating Mental Illness Awareness Week, consider checking for events at local community centers, libraries, and other public organizations. You can also share NAMI’s Mental Health Awareness Week information on social media to advocate for people living with mental illnesses.
Common mental illnesses
Below, we’ll cover a few of the most common mental illnesses.
If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.
Anxiety disorders
Anxiety can be a common experience, and many of us experience anxiety symptoms before important events like interviews or presentations. For some people, however, anxiety dominates their lives, often preventing them from doing the things they enjoy and functioning in the way they would prefer.
In these cases, individuals may be living with anxiety disorders. Specific anxiety disorders can include phobias, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and selective mutism. Research suggests that nearly 20% of people in the United States may live with an anxiety disorder.
Depression
Depression is a mental illness that can cause ongoing feelings of sadness, emptiness, and a loss of interest in things a person once enjoyed. Depression can occur due to a particular reason, or it can happen with no identifiable trigger. People with depression may experience difficulties in maintaining relationships, holding down jobs, or completing schoolwork. They may also struggle to maintain good health, and, in severe cases, may experience suicidal ideation.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24/7.
In general, there are four types of depression: major depressive disorder, postpartum depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic depression). In 2023, 29% of Americans reported having been diagnosed with depression at some point in life.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Also known as OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition that typically causes people to have unwanted, intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Although many people with OCD know their intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are irrational, they may believe they are powerless to stop them. In the United States, 2% to 3% of the population may have OCD, and signs and symptoms most often appear during childhood and adolescence.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that affects about 6% of the United States population. The condition tends to be most often associated with veterans traumatized from combat, but PTSD can happen to anyone who experiences a traumatic event. PTSD symptoms usually include nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, withdrawal from loved ones, trouble concentrating, being easily startled, and engaging in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance misuse.
Other common mental illnesses can include the following:
- Eating disorders
- Panic disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Dissociative disorders
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Schizophrenia
- Substance use disorders
It can be important to remember that all these mental illnesses usually have treatments available to improve symptoms, from therapy to medication to simple lifestyle interventions. If you are living with a mental health condition, know there is help available to you.
Honoring Mental Illness Awareness Week
Whether you live with a mental illness or know someone who does, you can get involved for Mental Health Awareness Week. Below, we offer three impactful ways you can celebrate October 1 through 7.
- Provide support. One of the most important things you can do to help those experiencing a mental illness may be to provide support for them. This may be in the form of reaching out to check up on a loved one who struggles with a mental health condition, or it may look like driving a friend or family member to their therapy sessions, doctor’s appointments, or other important events they may struggle to attend without assistance. Many people with mental illnesses may feel ashamed and hesitant to ask for help. They may also struggle to open up about what they’re experiencing. Be sure to reassure them that you are there for them, you care for them, and they deserve to be supported.
- Fight discrimination. To fight the stigma against mental illness, it can be important to educate yourself and others about different mental health conditions and how they can be treated. From there, you can work to destigmatize seeking mental health treatment by sharing your own story or sharing information about people who have successfully treated their mental illnesses. Utilize resources like Mental Health America’s Get Information education center to learn more about mental illness.
- Raise awareness. There are many aspects of mental illness that can be challenging to manage in daily life. On top of difficult symptoms, some people struggle to find adequate treatment due to living in an area with a shortage of mental health professionals. Others may lack the socioeconomic resources needed for adequate treatment. Understanding that living with mental illness can be multifaceted and often extends beyond symptoms can be vital for raising awareness and working toward a better mental health care system.
Mental health support and treatment options
Living with a mental health condition can be challenging, but it tends to be a common situation that many people face. Many mental health conditions are treatable and can improve significantly with the proper support.
Treatment options for mental illnesses typically include doctor-prescribed medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. Common therapies that can help mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, personality disorders, substance use disorder, and more, include the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Exposure therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
While medication cannot cure mental illness, it can help with managing symptoms. Reach out to your doctor or psychiatrist for more information on medication options.
Studies show that the most effective treatment can vary depending on the disorder. In some cases, medication can make mental illness symptoms more manageable, while therapy can help you address mental health issues at the root, working toward long-term recovery.
Finding a therapist and therapy type that works for you can be the first step toward healing. Whether you prefer the social dynamic of group therapy or more intensive one-on-one therapy sessions, there are options available to you.
Those with busy schedules may appreciate the convenience of online therapy, through which individuals can connect with mental health professionals from the comfort of their homes and choose between video, phone, and online chat sessions.
Research suggests that in-person and online therapy typically produce the same results.
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