The U.S. Congress in 1990 declared the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in efforts to raise awarenesss about mental illnesses. MIAW's sole purpose is to educate the masses about them. Mental illnesses include Anxiety Disorders, Autism, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, OCD, Schizophrenia, PTSD and a myriad of others. Just because they might not show obvious signs, approximately 61.5 million Americans experience one or more mental illness. However, a stigma, or a negative reputation, surrounds mental illnesses, causing people to be insecure of the or be afraid of those who have them. "As with cancer, diabetes and heart disease, mental illnesses are often physical as well as emotional and psychological. Mental illnesses may be caused by a reaction to environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances or a combination of these," says mentalhealthamerica.net. Those with mental illnesses are often told, "It's all in your head," or, "Just get over it," when in reality, you have little control over them and how they affect you. If someone you know is or may be struggling with a mental illness, the best thing you can do for them is be supportive and let them know you're there. You wouldn't be scolded or shunned for having cancer, so why is it that way with depression?
-Kat Van Nort
-Kat Van Nort