Mental Illness Awareness Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Mental Illness Awareness Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Mental Illness Awareness Week is observed on October 2nd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Mental Illness Awareness Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you might want to know about Mental Illness Awareness Week.

📅 What day is Mental Illness Awareness Week 2024?

In 2024, Mental Illness Awareness Week is on Monday, October 2nd. It is the 1st Monday in October; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the exciting details and facts about October 2, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

The first week of October is dedicated to raising awareness about mental illness, known as Mental Illness Awareness Week. From October 2 to 8 this year, the focus will be on highlighting the impact of mental illness on individuals and the people close to them, including family, friends, and colleagues. This week serves as a reminder of the millions of individuals who experience mental illness and the importance of understanding and supporting them.

📜 Mental Illness Awareness Week History

The Alliance, which was established in 1980, set up its first headquarters in Washington. In 1982, it was appointed to the National Mental Health Advisory Council. Two public service announcements, “Shattered Dreams” and “Scrapbook,” were broadcasted nationwide in 1984. In 1990, N.A.M.I launched the N.A.M.I HelpLine and Mental Illness Awareness Week was declared by Congress. N.A.M.I. participated in the inaugural White House Conference on Mental Health in 1999 and introduced the N.A.M.I. Family Support Group. The StigmaFree campaign was initiated in 2015, with the Empire State Building being illuminated green to mark the occasion. In the same year, N.A.M.I collaborated with Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., the oldest sorority founded by African American college women, to promote mental health education and support on college campuses and communities. In 2019, a CBS This Morning segment titled “Stop the Stigma: A Conversation About Mental Health” featured N.A.M.I specialists. Additionally, the N.A.M.I Provider program became part of the curriculum for third-year medical students at Des Moines University School of Osteopathic Medicine in the same year.

✅ Mental Illness Awareness Week Facts

🔖 Mental health problems are very common
According to data, approximately 5% of the population in the United States experiences a significant mental illness.

🔖 There is no single cause
Various factors can contribute to an increased risk of developing a mental illness.

🔖 Your mental health can change over time
Various factors can influence a person’s mental well-being, indicating that their mental health can fluctuate over time based on their current situation.

👍 Why Is Mental Illness Awareness Week Important

Certain stigmas surround mental diseases. This week debunks these myths, misinformation, and bigotry.

The material given includes the tales and experiences of those who live with mental illness every day. Because of their common experience, this sickness is particularly relatable.

You offer support and understanding by reaching out, starting a dialogue, and enabling discussion about mental health. This is required for all people suffering from this illness.

🙂 How To Observe Mental Illness Awareness Week

⚡ Download additional resources

⚡ Watch the Mental Illness Awareness Week videos
Watch the videos where real people talk about their personal experiences, while also getting information about the symptoms and effects of mental illness through written content.

⚡ Share on social media
Download readings and supplementary materials to help you learn more about mental health. Help a loved one suffering from mental illness by using this knowledge.

📅 When is Mental Illness Awareness Week?

View all 🔗 October holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Mental Illness Awareness Week. So be sure to check back soon.