National Mental Illness Awareness Week: October 2-8
Eclipsing on the heels of the High Holy days this year is the observance of Mental Illness Awareness Week, or MIAW. This event occurs annually, usually in the month of October and was created by Presidential proclamation in 1990 to focus attention on the high incidence of mental illness in America. As many know, mental illness is a cause that I am truly passionate about, and I am an active supporter. For those who want further information, please see:
www.nami.org At least one in four families are in some way touched by mental illness, one form or another. Among those conditions are bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder (excessive handwashing, checking and ritual interfering with the ability to function properly), panic disorders and depression in one form or another.
Mental illness is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain, and categorically referred to as brain disorders. Like physical illnesses, individuals and families, when faced with these issues, need support, guidance and friendship almost every step of the way. Just as someone would call upon or visit a person who is hospitalized for diabetes or cancer, someone who has been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility needs support and visits as well.
During MIAW, millions of Americans will honor those who suffer from challenges faced by living with mental illness, and celebrate the recoveries that have been achieved by loved ones. Recovery is possible, provided that proper medication, therapy, and education are achieved.
Nevertheless, many barriers remain and community education and support are key to fighting stigma associated with mental illness. For example, labels such as 'crazy,' 'loony,' 'nuts,' or 'wacko,' often are hurtful to individuals and impact on families who must deal with someone affected with mental health issues. It is ever so important to be vigilant, as well as aware of stigma, and, in my humble opinion, necessary to do one's part to be part of the solution, not the problem that these individuals face in America today.
It is truly possible that each one of us can heal the world by doing his/her part, in understanding mental illness by reducing stigma and raising awareness. Such activities may include participating in walks, causes, and drives, and most importantly, becoming educated and aware of what goes on in treatment and recovery of those with mental health issues in our country today.
Good Shabbos.
Thank you for your minds.
www.nami.org At least one in four families are in some way touched by mental illness, one form or another. Among those conditions are bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder (excessive handwashing, checking and ritual interfering with the ability to function properly), panic disorders and depression in one form or another.
Mental illness is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain, and categorically referred to as brain disorders. Like physical illnesses, individuals and families, when faced with these issues, need support, guidance and friendship almost every step of the way. Just as someone would call upon or visit a person who is hospitalized for diabetes or cancer, someone who has been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility needs support and visits as well.
During MIAW, millions of Americans will honor those who suffer from challenges faced by living with mental illness, and celebrate the recoveries that have been achieved by loved ones. Recovery is possible, provided that proper medication, therapy, and education are achieved.
Nevertheless, many barriers remain and community education and support are key to fighting stigma associated with mental illness. For example, labels such as 'crazy,' 'loony,' 'nuts,' or 'wacko,' often are hurtful to individuals and impact on families who must deal with someone affected with mental health issues. It is ever so important to be vigilant, as well as aware of stigma, and, in my humble opinion, necessary to do one's part to be part of the solution, not the problem that these individuals face in America today.
It is truly possible that each one of us can heal the world by doing his/her part, in understanding mental illness by reducing stigma and raising awareness. Such activities may include participating in walks, causes, and drives, and most importantly, becoming educated and aware of what goes on in treatment and recovery of those with mental health issues in our country today.
Good Shabbos.
Thank you for your minds.
19 Comments:
A huge obstacle to adequate attention to mental health issues in this country is the insurance industry.
As a school counselor, I can't count the times I found that children or their parents or siblings had either no mental health coverage under their policies or some ridiculously limited number of sessions per year, maybe on the order of ten, if I'm recalling correctly.
Does MIAW coincide with your vacation, Sireene! How cool...
Paul, you are 100 percent correct in your observation, and I am glad you brought this issue of health insurance up on the blog.
Only recently have insurance companies begun to accord equal treatment to mental illness, as they do to physical illness, and as such, are paid for by health insurance. Mental illness is a brain disorder, often resulting in a chemical imbalance. I hope that one day the counseling will be covered equally as doctor's visits.
Good work you do!
I'm guessing Tom Cruise isn't observing this week.....or maybe he IS. Hmmmmm.
This is your issue, Barbara, and I'm so proud of you for sticking to it. You have helped raise my awareness, and if you write letters, let me know and I'll be happy to send copies to my politicans and organiations as well. If we all work together, we CAN make some changes.
M.Brandon, your brother is truly lucky to have you in his life, to have someone speak for him in this capacity. I will surely keep him, and your entire family in my prayers. Please let me know when the tourettes awareness week is so I can participate as well.
LI- you must have great patience and stamina to work in the field of mental health.
PC, thank you, thank you! If I can raise the awareness of one person, it is as if I can change the world.
I am truly grateful.
This is a great post....Thanks for reminding us of National Mental Illness Awareness Week!!!
Have a great weekend Barb!!!
It is about time we show compassion for our neighbours. no matter who they are or in what kind of condition they are
we must stop to put people who are old or sick or have a mental illness in homes far away from anyone
separation from society shows a lack in compassion and bereaves us from opportunities to grow in patience and kindness
It's a worthy week to reflect upon; so many tend to want to look away from this problem.
Thanks for this post, Barbara.
My poor cousin Lura commited suicide a number of years ago by jumping from a building downtown. Her mental illness was treated so callously then, as so many are running without help on our streets everyday. I remember my mother telling me as a child how Lura thought she was a butterfly, and that being my mothers clue to her state of mind. This motif has filled my heart in such a strange, but uplifting way. These souls reflect so much about our human situation.
But, It was a sad situation that was made worse by the economics of her single parent homelife. There should have been some kind of help for her but there was not, so I am happy to hear so many people who are raising the consciousness of this plight of our fellow human beings.
Brandon, Barbara was so correct to say how lucky your brother is to have you in his life,, and him in yours,, you definitely must be a very advanced soul to be so compassionate and caring. Bless you and your sweet brother. Bless all the souls who are lost but without the support you afford your brother..... It gives me some hope for the state of Mankind. thanks Barbara for bringing this to our attention..... you are really one magnificant woman!!!! Bless you and yours,,,
(How is Astro??)
Much Love,
Scott
It is so heartwarming to see such a good response to this post! We just came back from the NAMI Los Angeles walk to support this cause!
As I see, some families are touched, even here in blogville, in one way or another by mental illness. Awareness is so much better these days, but in the area of stigma, we still have a long way to go!
Scott, I am appreciating Astro's life these days, and trying not to focus on his death.
Blessings to all.
I'm so glad you brought this to our attention. My family has struggled with depression on many branches of our large tree. In high school I often had to "babysit" my best friend because she couldn't be trusted to be left alone. This past summer I had a dear friend try to commit suicide for her second time; which was followed by a month in a mental hospital. I'm currently applying to grad schools, looking to get my PsyD in clinical psychology. I'm sure you can see why this post meant so much to me.
Thanks for dropping by my site.
Much love,
Cricket
You're back!
The cause of Mental Illness is near and dear to my heart.
Thanks for posting this, B. I'm surprised it's as few as one in four. I'd have guessed more like three in four.
Speaking of Tom Cruise, I saw a t-shirt the other day that made me laugh out loud. It read:
"I'm not crazy, I'm a Scientologist."
My husband is going through some tough things right now. We just got him a counselor. I don't know how much I can take, and can't seem to write about it. I am caught between a rock and a hard place, and if I am not careful he will pull me back into my hell .. so where do you go from there! Damn, I said it!
Seeking help is not easy. There is the pride issue... and insurance issues. I can get my cervix scraped for $10 co-pay, but TALKING to someone costs about $100, cause my insurance only pays half. People don't appreciate that the brain is an organ like any other... and it is capable of malfunctioning. Weakness is attached is mental disorders.
I'm a blogger and I do it for my health! It's cheaper, and insurance won't pay for shit unless I attmept suicide... how comforting!
Rachael - I hear you...Most insurances, even Kaiser, cover counseling, albeit, only a limited number. If a psychiatrist is involved, involving a chemical imbalance of the brain, requiring medication, I believe more sessions are allowed. Check out your particiular coverage.
LP- my heart goes out to you. I do not know specifically what you are undergoing, but I am sure you are affected. NAMI has a wonderful 12 week free family to family class that provides tips for familiy members in understanding and dealing with mental illness. Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, wifes, husbands, parents, children, partners, signifcant others, everyone participates, and there is a wonderful community of support at hand. It is a wonderful class, and will be very helpful to you. Many good thoughts and prayers.
Ahhhh.
Diversity!
Meanwhile: Shana Tovah!
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