Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW)

Courtesy of The MLO Minute: By Allyson McAndrews, M.Ed., Director of Marketing and Community Outreach

For over 30 years, our nation has recognized the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW).

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, and 1 in 6 youth (ages 6-17) experience a mental health disorder. These statistics reflect the millions of Americans suffering from a mental health condition; however, many are reluctant to talk about it, let alone seek treatment.

Several disorders fall under the category of mental health conditions, such as Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Eating Disorders, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). With so many people of all ages and different backgrounds living with a mental health condition, it is important that our firm highlights MIAW.