Mental Illness Awareness Week, held from Sunday, October 6 – Saturday, October 12, 2024, is a time to raise awareness and support for those facing mental health challenges.
With nearly one in five adults in the U.S. experiencing some form of mental illness, fostering open dialogue and reducing stigma is more crucial than ever.
Mental illness affects people from all walks of life.
Here are some common conditions:
- Depression involves persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Those with depression often feel isolated, even among loved ones.
- Anxiety Disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, and Panic Disorder, leading to chronic fear or worry that interferes with daily life.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs after traumatic experiences, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, making it difficult to heal and move forward.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is marked by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) meant to reduce anxiety.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects focus, impulse control, and organization, making it challenging to manage daily tasks.
Stigma often prevents people from seeking help. The fear of judgment can be isolating, but raising awareness is key to reducing stigma. By talking about mental health openly, we encourage others to seek the support they need.
Mental illness doesn’t always look how we expect. Many people appear fine on the surface while battling silently beneath. It’s crucial to approach everyone with compassion, as we never know what they might be going through. – Cari Baumgardner, Behavioral Health Services Manager
Support can be as simple as listening to someone or learning about mental health. Professional help, however, is often essential. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. Our health center offers counseling and behavioral health services to help individuals manage their mental health in a safe and supportive environment.
Mental Illness Awareness Week highlights the importance of staying informed, compassionate, and supportive. By building awareness, we help reduce the stigma that keeps so many from seeking the care they need.
About Care Resource
Care Resource is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. We provide comprehensive health and support services to meet the healthcare needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations. Please visit CareResource.org for more information.