By: Nanditha Krishnamsetty, M.D.

Raritan Bay Medical

Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. October 2 through October 8 was Mental Illness Awareness Week. Each year, the week provides an opportunity to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care.

One in five adults experience mental illness problems every year and 50 percent of chronic mental illness begins by age 14. Although many people today understand that mental illness is a medical condition, individuals and families affected by mental illness are still often subjected to stigma and discrimination.

Anyone can experience mental health problems. Friends and family can make all the difference in a person’s recovery process. You can help by recognizing the signs of mental health problems and connecting your friend or family member to professional help. Supportive friends can play an important role in the mental health recovery process. All too often, people respond negatively or dismissively when an individual discloses their mental health disorder.

This year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is calling on everyone to shine a light on mental illness and replace stigma with hope. Tuesday, October 4 was the National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding. The prayers and actions of both faith communities and secular organizations can help to shine a light on mental illness and replace stigma with hope. To learn more, visit www.nami.org.

In addition, as part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, National Depression Screening Day was held Thursday, October 6. If you or someone you know may need a mental health assessment, a free and anonymous mental health screening is available online at www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org/.

Shine a light on mental illness and replace stigma with hope by taking the pledge to be stigma free. To take the #Stigmafree pledge, visit www.nami.org/stigmafree.