Raising Awareness of Mental Illness

Mental health affects everyone, and it's time we start recognizing the importance of taking care of our mental health. Each year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and other advocates recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), a time dedicated to educating the public about mental illness, including issues such as available treatments and methods of support.   

Building a Supportive Community for Mental Well-Being

This 2025 theme for MIAW is "Building Community: Supporting Mental Well-Being Together." This year's theme underscores the power of meaningful connections, local action, and grassroots advocacy to strengthen mental health support across the nation.

Recognizing the struggles that some face with their mental health is the first step in making a difference. According to NAMI, one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental health condition annually. Mental health challenges affect more than just individuals; the impacts extend to friends, family, colleagues, and others surrounding them. 

The Importance of Talking About Mental Health

People can face different forms of mental health struggles for different reasons, but it's important to offer support to those in need—even if they aren't showing signs that they're struggling. Mental illnesses don't always look the same, as they may range in severity. 

Mental illnesses aren't as easy to spot as physical illnesses, but you can look out for signs like:

• Sleep or appetite changes
• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
• Mood changes
• Nervousness
• Feeling disconnected
• Problems thinking or concentrating, illogical thinking
• Apathy
• Body pain
• Decline in personal care
• Unusual behavior
• Changes in work or school performance

Approach conversations about these issues without judgement, offering to listen and be there for someone who may be struggling. No one should have to face mental health challenges alone, which is why we should all work on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Don't be afraid to talk about mental health, and start practicing healthy habits that are good for your mind as well as your body.

When you are looking for solutions to help your clients, patients, or students facing mental illness, PAR has a wide variety of mental health resources that can help across constructs.