Today marks the start of Mental Illness Awareness Week, as participants throughout the United States work to fight stigmas, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care for those with mental health issues.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness and partner organizations throughout the country work to raise awareness of mental illness each year. Mental Illness Awareness Week, Oct. 1-7, provides a designated forum for the public to join together and display the passion and strength of those who work to improve the lives of millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
Hot Springs Mayor Pat McCabe signed a proclamation this week declaring Oct. 1-7 Mental Illness Awareness Week in the city. Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed a similar proclamation for the state in October 2016.
The proclamation states mental health is part of overall health, one in five adults experiences a mental health problem in any given year, approximately one half of chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14 and three-quarters by age 24, and suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death in the United States and second-leading cause among young adults.
"Whereas, long delays -- sometimes decades -- often occur between the time symptoms first appear and when individuals get help," the proclamation reads. "Whereas, early identification and treatment can make a difference in successful management of mental illness and recovery."
Early identification and treatment play key roles in managing mental illness. The StigmaFree campaign is led by NAMI as an effort to end stigma and create hope for those affected by mental illness.
To take the StigmaFree pledge, visit http://www.nami.org/stigmafree. Participants can take part in the discussion on social media with the hashtags #StigmaFree and #MIAW.
"Whereas, every citizen and community can make a difference in helping end the silence and stigma that for too long has surrounded mental illness and discouraged people from getting help," the proclamation states.
"Whereas, public education and civic activities can encourage mental health and help improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness."
NAMI offers information about mental illness conditions, symptoms, treatment options, local programs, recovery strategies, resource referral and support at http://www.nami.org and through its HelpLine at 800-950-6264 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. The HelpLine is also available through email at [email protected].
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline is available 24 hours every day at 800-662-4357 for referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups and community-based organizations. All calls are confidential and service is available in both English and Spanish.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours every day for confidential support, best practices for professionals and resources for prevention. An alternate line is available for anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing at 800-799-4889. A chat option is available online at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Text 741741 to speak with trained crisis counselors at the Crisis Text Line. Messages can also be sent to the Crisis Text Line account on Facebook. Counselors are available 24 hours per day.
Thursday is National Depression Screening Day. Information about free mental health screenings are available online at http://helpyourselfhelpothers.org. Screenings will be offered in Arkansas by Daily Bread Counseling in Bryant and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.
The Arkansas affiliate of NAMI will offer Family Support Groups for family members and caregivers of persons living with mental health conditions on the first Monday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. at Piney Grove United Methodist Church, 2963 Airport Road. The groups are facilitated by peers for peers and cannot be observed by students or professionals. Call liaison Marquitta Magnini at 870-550-0369 for information about the groups or email [email protected].
NAMI's free Family to Family Education Course will be offered for the first time in Hot Springs beginning Tuesday. The 12-session course is designed to help all family members understand and support their loved ones living with mental illness, while maintaining their own well-being.
Sessions will be offered each Tuesday from 6:30-9 p.m. Information is presented about schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and other mental health conditions.
The program is taught by trained teachers with personal experiences of loved ones living with mental illness. To register, call Magnini at 870-550-0369 or Connie Detmers at 870-879-4514.
Local on 10/01/2017