How to Recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week

How to Recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week

How to Recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week

Every year, millions of Americans confront the reality of living with a mental health condition. Mental illness can affect everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends, or coworkers.

This is why every year, during the first week in October, mental health organizations and advocates across the country raise awareness, fight discrimination, and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW).

The prevalence of mental health conditions

To encourage discussions about mental health, check out the latest facts and statistics according to NAMI:

  • 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
  • 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience severe mental illness each year
  • 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
  • Mental illness affects:
  • 44% of LGB adults
  • 32% Mixed/Multiracial adults
  • 22% of White adults
  • 19% of American Indian or Alaska Native
  • 18% of Latinx adults
  • 17% of Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander adults
  • 17% of Black adults
  • 14% of Asian adults
  • Annual prevalence among U.S. adults, by condition:
  • Anxiety Disorders: 19.1% (estimated 48 million people)
  • Major Depressive Episode: 7.8% (19.4 million people)
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: 3.6% (estimated 9 million people)
  • Bipolar Disorder: 2.8% (estimated 7 million people)
  • Borderline Personality Disorder: 1.4% (estimated 3.5 million people)
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: 1.2% (estimated 3 million people)
  • Schizophrenia: <1% (estimated 1.5 million people)

What you can do to recognize mental illness awareness

Support others. Many of us will go through a challenging time that affects our mental health at some point. There are a few simple things that we can all do and say to show support towards the people we love who are struggling.

Recharge and take the time you need to engage in self-care. Finding healthy ways to decompress and relax is essential to good mental health. Whether it's taking a break, calling a friend, or going on vacation, your mental health depends on it.

Get screened. Screening for mental health conditions should be a part of your wellness routine, just like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. It's one of the fastest and easiest ways to decide whether you are experiencing a mental health condition.

Here are a few proactive ways to stay mentally healthy:

  • Prioritize sleep. Try to set a regular bedtime schedule, reduce your caffeine intake in the afternoons, and put screens away before bed.
  • Watch what you eat. Food affects our mood, so try to maintain a healthy diet as best you can.
  • Get outside every day and spend time in nature.
  • Get moving, whether that's by going on a walk, doing yoga, or taking the stairs.
  • Limit your screen time. Frequently, mental health professionals are finding a connection between too much technology and depression and anxiety.
  • Maintain your mental health by working with an individual counselor.

At Michigan Psychological Care, our mission is to help you find the care and treatment you need. We work to put your worries about opening up to rest by providing a comfortable location and atmosphere.

Our sessions are provided in a one-on-one setting with one of our experienced therapists. If you're interested in Group Counseling, we also provide that. Whether you're dealing with substance abuse issues, anxiety troubles, or looking for depression treatment options, we have three facilities to conveniently provide you with the compassionate care you deserve. Please leave us a contact form so that we can schedule an appointment.

References

https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-illness-awareness-week
https://nami.org/
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health

Keywords: mental illness, mental health, mental health counselor, mental health therapist

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