Oct. 5-11 is Mental Illness Awareness Week
This is an opportunity for conversations about mental health care ending the silence that often surrounds it and getting early treatment for those who need it. Howie Mandel, a long-time suffer of mental illness is an advocate for making mental health checkups as routine as going to the dentist. Read more about Howie.
Every year:
- 1 in 4 adults experiences a mental health problem
- 1 in 5 children and teens experience serious emotional disorders.
- 1/2 of chronic mental illness begin by the age of 14 and 3/4 begin by the age 24.
Unfortunately, there are long delays−sometimes decades−between the time symptoms first appear and when people get help. Studies show that early treatment can make a big difference for successful management and recovery. Yet, only 1/3 of adults and less than 1/2 of children with mental illness receive treatment.
One reason is that symptoms may not be immediately recognized. Another is that stigma –and silence–surrounding mental illness discourages many people from seeking help.
No one should have to confront mental illness alone. Information about specific diagnoses and treatment options, free classes and support groups are available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org or from its Help Line at 800-950-6264.
Questions or concerns? Contact Susan Parmelee at 949-680-0516 or speak with your primary care physician.