Mental Illness Awareness Week
Twenty years ago this week my family lost a dear friend when his mental illness led him to take his own life. He was only 30 years old.
I had many unanswered questions and experienced a mix of sadness, guilt, and anger.
Sadness for my loss and for the pain he experienced. Guilt because I should have known more or done something. And anger because the help he did receive was not enough to save him.
The first week of October is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Given the statistics, the chances are great that someone you know is affected by mental illness:
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
Many young athletes struggle with mental illness—more on that next week.
This is a topic most of us can learn more about. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has created some short videos and personal stories to get us started.
Do you know someone who needs help?
The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public.
The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., CT
Text "HelpLine" to 62640
Email helpline@nami.org