Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) takes place October 3-9 and is an opportunity to learn more about serious mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Mental illnesses are medical illnesses. One in four adults experiences a mental health problem in any given year. One in 17 lives with serious, chronic disorders. "Many people in our community are directly affected by mental illness,” NAMI Acadiana, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “The good news is that treatment does work and recovery is possible. The bad news is that in many states around the country, including ours, they are being cut.”
While it's great to join together to raise awareness one week each year, we know mental illness affects us year round. Most of us are, or have been, affected by mental illness in one way or another, whether it is an illness we have personally, or one which affects a family member, friend, or acquaintance. In an effort to bring increased awareness to this prevalent illness, as well as to raise funds to promote education, support, and advocacy NAMI Acadiana is sponsoring its fourth annual fundraiser, NAMIWalks Acadiana 2010, to coincide with Mental Illness Awareness Week
This 12-hour course is aimed at humanizing mental health literacy. It will be held April 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 605 Douglas Street in Alexandria Understanding and recognizing the signs that someone needs help is the first step in getting that person suitable care and treatment.