Mental Challenged Support Group

NAMI PA, Main Line is writing to remind you that October 5-11, 2008 is MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK (MIAW). This week is the premier public information and outreach activity of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). ??

Established by Congress and now in its 18th year, MIAW recognizes NAMI’s outreach programs to raise mental illness awareness and reduce stigma and NAMI's advocacy for needed services, including early detection, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of serious mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).??Mental illness awareness is crucial as 1 in 4 American adults, approximately 57.7 million, experience a mental health disorder in any given year.  ??

Though mental illness is highly prevalent, current treatments work and recovery is possible. Unfortunately, too many sufferers and their families are unaware of this. Additionally, many individuals with mental illness experience societal challenges such as stigma and lack of healthcare coverage, appropriate housing and job opportunities.??

What you can do during this week to help is:??

1. Educate yourself about mental illness and its impact on the community. Much useful information is available at the national NAMI website (www.nami.org). ??

2. Seek assistance and support for mental health/illness issues, for yourself, your loved ones and acquaintances from the national NAMI website (www.nami.org), or call 800-950-NAMI (6264). For people living in the Greater Philadelphia area, the NAMI PA, Main Line affiliate has compiled a Resource Guide with a wealth of local information, available at www.nami.org/sites/NAMIPAMainLine, or call 267-251-6240.??

3. Advocate for the mentally ill in your community, state and at the national level by staying abreast of issues of health insurance, employment, housing, rehabilitation, mental illness legislation, research, stigma reduction, support, etc., and petitioning your local government and community authorities regarding these issues. Information is available at www.nami.org. To sign up for timely e-mail Advocacy Alerts, contact us at Mainline@NAMI.org

About NAMI?
NAMI is the nations largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.  NAMI has more than 1,100 affiliates in communities across the country which engage in advocacy, research, support, and education. You can find a listing of local NAMI affiliates at www.NAMI.org.

Members of NAMI are families, friends, and people living with mental illnesses such as major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder.??NAMI supports a national effort to transform America's mental health care system, combat stigma, support research and attain adequate health insurance, housing, rehabilitation, jobs and family support for millions of Americans living with mental illnesses. 
Posted on 10/05/08, 09:10 am