Mental health affects everyone. While one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental health condition annually, the impact extends to the friends, family, coworkers, and others who support them. Mental health is something we all experience, manage, and need support with. No one should have to face these challenges alone.
Recognizing the need to raise awareness and address mental health challenges, Congress officially established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in 1990, thanks to NAMI’s (National Alliance on Mental Illness) advocacy. Since then, communities across the country have come together annually to raise awareness, fight stigma, and support mental health.
This year, Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 5 – 11 and World Mental Health Day is October 10.
Building Community: Supporting Mental Well-being Together
This year’s theme for Mental Illness Awareness Week is all about celebrating community. “Building Community: Supporting Mental Well-being Together,” underscores the power of meaningful connections, grassroots advocacy, and local action to strengthen mental health support nationwide. We’re stronger when we lift each other up.
Get Your Community Connected With NAMI
The NAMI Alliance, partners, and advocates play a key role in fostering connection, amplifying advocacy, and breaking down barriers to support. Finding ways to authentically connect and build community is where change happens, and hope takes root.
This MIAW and beyond, you’re encouraged to engage with your communities and raise awareness about mental health by highlighting NAMI programs that build community connections and provide help and support to those who need it most.
- NAMI Sharing Hope – Participate in conversations and programs that provide encouragement and connection for individuals and families in the Black/African ancestry community.
- NAMI Compartiendo Esperanza – NAMI’s Spanish-language program providing safe spaces, and culturally relevant support and resources for Latino communities.
- NAMI’s Support Groups – Peer-led groups offering emotional support, shared experiences, and coping strategies for individuals living with mental health conditions, and their loved ones.
- NAMI Community Health Equity Alliance – Advances mental health equity by uniting community-based organizations, thought leaders, and NAMI’s local affiliates to improve care for Black/African ancestry adults living with serious mental illness.
- Seize the Awkward – A national campaign driven by the belief that young people have the power to support their friends and build stronger, more supportive communities through open mental health conversations, developed with the Ad Council and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies
The official theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” Disasters can vary greatly. In 2020, approximately 100 million people worldwide were affected by disaster events. In the case of disasters, vulnerable groups can be under great stress, can face major challenges and may develop mental disorders. Nearly one-third of disaster-affected people may experience burdensome mental health consequences.
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