The stigma-free pledge

Dear editor:

This year, Oct. 1-7, we will recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week, a time to come together to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care.

Mental illness is a medical condition, but it is often surrounded by stigma or stereotypes that prevent people from getting the help they need. One in five adults experiences a mental illness in any given year. Approximately half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by the age of 14.

Unfortunately, long delays — sometimes decades — often occur between the time symptoms first appear and when people get help. Early identification and treatment are important. To take the #StigmaFree pledge, visit http://www.nami.org/stigmafree. NAMI offers information about mental illness conditions, symptoms and treatment at http://www.nami.org or through its HelpLine at 800-950-NAMI (6264). Also, learn more about Mental Illness Awareness Week at http:// www.nami.org/miaw and http://www. namiarkansas.org and click on events.

While you’re taking the Stigma Free pledge, consider doing something for yourself as the caregiver of a loved one suffering from mental illness.

Sign up for the free NAMI Family to Family Education Course for the first time offered in Hot Springs, beginning Tuesday, Oct. 3, for 12 weeks. Please contact NAMI Arkansas, Hot Springs Affiliate liaison for more information about this life changing course by sending an email to marquitta.magnini@namiarkansas.org. Or attend a NAMI Family Support Group from 6-7:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Piney Grove United Methodist Church, 2963 Airport Road, Hot Springs.

We invite you to help yourself, your family, your friends and your community by taking the Stigma Free pledge, attending the Family to Family Course or by attending a Family Support Group! You will be glad you did! NAMI returns hope! Marquitta Magnini NAMI Arkansas Affiliate coordinator NAMI Arkansas, Hot Springs Affiliate liaison