In 1990, Congress established the first week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week in recognition of the efforts of the National Alliance on Mental Illness to raise such awareness. Since then, people across the country have joined together during that week to boldly advocate for better mental health.
Mental Illness Awareness Week represents NAMI’s premiere public awareness campaign and an opportunity to work together in communities across the country to forward its mission through outreach, education and advocacy.
It presents us with an opportunity to learn the symptoms of major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other conditions. It gives us the opportunity to have conversations about mental health care, to break the silence that only serves to outcast families and individuals affected by mental illness.
Every year, one in four adults experiences a mental health problem. One in five children and teens experience serious emotional disorders. One-half of cases of chronic mental illness begin by the age of 14 and three-quarters by age 24.
Unfortunately, there are long delays — sometimes decades — between the time symptoms first appear and when people get help.
Early identification and treatment makes a significant difference in successful management of an illness and ongoing recovery. Yet only a third of adults and fewer than half of children with mental illness receive treatment. One reason is that symptoms may not be immediately recognized. Another is our silence surrounding mental illness. Many families and individuals affected by mental illness experience debilitating isolation as a result of silence and stigma surrounding mental illness. Stigma discourages many people from seeking help. Still another reason is the lack of access to mental health care.
No one should have to confront mental illness in silence, fear and isolation. Everyone should learn the symptoms of mental illness. Information about specific diagnoses and treatment options is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org or from its HelpLine at 800-950-6264. It is important to know where to find help in case it is ever needed. Most people start with their doctor, who may refer them to mental health professional.
NAMI also provides free classes and support groups, which play an important role in the lives of thousands of individuals and families. Two of NAMI’s signature education programs, Family to Family and Basics, are instrumental in providing hope and coping skills for caregivers. Through education and support, perspectives shift, resulting in improved relationships for all involved. A new-found sense of compassion is a common outcome for those that participate in these classes.
With knowledge, we can take action. Especially as Election Day nears. Mental illness does not discriminate. It strikes Democrats, Republicans, and independents — at any time. In Snohomish County we have numerous lawmakers and officials who understand their important role in improving the access to mental health care and combating stigma. Take the opportunity to speak up and take part in nonpartisan dialogue as part of the election process. Look at candidates’ pamphlets or websites to see what they have to say about strengthening mental health care. Ask them directly at public forums.
Once candidates are elected, keep speaking out, keep learning, keep raising awareness. The challenge is not to fix the mental health care system but to build it anew — with much greater emphasis on early screening, diagnosis and treatment. These changes require increased Medicaid coverage and funding for public services. Spending money involves difficult choices, but when it comes to mental health care, lack of appropriate funding results in out-of-control costs to hospital emergency rooms, schools, police, jails and tragically broken families.
Let’s not stop there! On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, for example, we should all consider the needs of military veterans and their families. In 2012, more U.S. soldiers killed themselves than died in battle that year. Currently, 22 veterans die every day from suicide. That is simply unacceptable.
Here are five ways you and your family can promote positive change:
Rather than referring to a person as “bipolar” or “schizophrenic,” refer to that person as having bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. This person-first language is respectful; you can change the way you think when you change the way you speak.
Understand that mental illness is treatable, especially when treatment begins early.
Recognize and accept your role in combating stigma. All of us have a role. Find yours.
Be open about your own illness. Nothing, absolutely nothing, combats stigma more effectively than individuals who don’t let fear of stigma keep them from being honest and authentic about the realities of living with a mental illness. Let your own life speak.
Treatment works, but only if a person can get it. Dialogue must ultimately turn into action. But education comes first. The more people know about mental illness, the better they can help themselves, their families and communities to get the help they need.
Take time to learn, speak up, be open and to help make a difference.
Keith Binkley is president of NAMI of Snohomish County. Kimberly Miller is president of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
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