Written by Jessica Meadows
Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers.
During the first week of October, the National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI) and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW).
Mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round, but highlighting them during MIAW provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice. Since 1990, when Congress officially established the first full week of October as MIAW, advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large or small, to educate the public about mental illness.
Mental Health Services for You and Your Family
North Central Health Care provides many mental and behavioral services to those living in Marathon, Lincoln and Langlade counties. Here are few links to services available to you:
Services like these can be a lifeline for families, but the amount of information can be overwhelming. NCHC’s Crisis Center is available 24/7 to help you and your family in your time of need.
Call NCHC Crisis Services at 1-800-799-0122 and their professional team can link you to crisis care, services and referrals.
Fast Facts
- 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
Mental illness affects:
- 44% of LGB adults
- 32% Mixed/Multiracial adults
- 22% of White adults
- 19% of American Indian or Alaska Native
- 18% of Latinx adults
- 17% of Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander adults
- 17% of Black adults
- 14% of Asian adults
Annual prevalence among U.S. adults, by condition:
- Anxiety Disorders: 19.1% (estimated 48 million people)
- Major Depressive Episode: 7.8% (19.4 million people)
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: 3.6% (estimated 9 million people)
- Bipolar Disorder: 2.8% (estimated 7 million people)
- Borderline Personality Disorder: 1.4% (estimated 3.5 million people)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: 1.2% (estimated 3 million people)
- Schizophrenia: <1% (estimated 1.5 million people)
These are only a few of the reasons why it’s important to take part in promoting awareness for MIAW. Visit the NCHC Mental Health Awareness Week webpage for more information and videos. Please use these facts and others, to encourage discussions about mental health.
Source: NAMI, https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-illness-awareness-week
Jessica Meadows
Communications & Marketing Director | North Central Health Care
As the Communications and Marketing Coordinator at North Central Health Care (NCHC), Jessica Meadows is passionate about being able to use her creative talents to connect people to healthcare, resources, and networking that will impact their life in a positive way. Prior to joining NCHC, she was a Creative Director and leader at a marketing agency in the Stevens Point area. With almost 20 years’ experience in print, web, social media, video, radio, and public relations, it was important for her to connect back to her roots here in the Wausau area, where she and her husband raise their two young children. When she’s not busy at an event or volunteering, she enjoys playing sports, coaching, biking, traveling, and exploring the outdoors. Email Jessica Meadows.
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