LIFT Observes Mental Illness Awareness Week 2020 4th October – 10th October

“If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.”

This week, 4 October - 10 October, marks Mental Illness Awareness Week 2020. The theme for this year’s #MIAW is “What People With Mental Illness Want You to Know.” MIAW coincides with National Depression Screening Day, which takes place on October 8.

According to NAMI, an estimated 46.6 million adults (that’s 18.9% of adults in the United States) currently suffer from mental illness, and these rates are only increasing in the pandemic. While mental illness impacts approximately 1 in 5 Americans in their lifetimes, up to 60% of sufferers will never seek treatment! Can you imagine any other illness with such an abysmal intervention rate? Why is this? And, what can we who are allies and advocates do about it?

Because mental illness presents in so many diverse manifestations, many are still confused by, or simply unaware of the true cause of a friend or a loved ones (or their own) suffering. While our field has come a tremendously long way since Hippocrates prescribed opiates and removal from job and home as “treatment” for mental illness in 500 BC (!), we have so much further to go as a society in understanding and empathically intervening in mental health issues.

Today, individual, family and group psychotherapy, and/or medication, are the standard of care for most facing a mental health crisis. These options are effective and life-saving - but impossible to accomplish without good screening and intervention work. At LIFT, we believe that screening for mental illness should be as commonplace as screening for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or any other chronic health condition. MHAScreening.org offers a quick and easy way to determine whether an individual is suffering from a mental health condition.

We know that many of you reading wish to be allies in getting hurting folks to care, but aren’t sure exactly how to help.

It all begins with amplifying their voices.

Individuals who are suffering from mental illness often feel intense shame and alienation, and are therefore likely to isolate and hide their feelings. Early intervention is important, and saves lives. If you notice someone exhibiting warning signs of mental illness (ie; excessive worrying, feeling down or withdrawn, confused thinking, poor concentration, ups and downs, sleep changes, irritability, low energy, under or overeating, alcohol or drug abuse, excessive stress, difficulty handling daily problems or activities, changes in sex drive, or suicidality), SPEAK UP!

DON’T dismiss (“You should be happy because…”), minimize (“At least you’re not…”), argue with their logic (“I don’t see it that way…”, offer comparatives (“I went through something similar…”)

DO… Find a comfortable space to start an authentic conversation. Listen without judgment. Let silences happen. Sitting with someone in their pain is sometimes much more powerful than any words you could utter. Practice empathy, not sympathy.

Whenever possible, get the individual connected with a mental health screening. If an individual is uncertain whether what they’re experiencing is more than run-of-the-mill sadness, nerves, or mood fluctuations, a screening can help provide clarity and direction. A mental health screening does NOT provide a definitive diagnosis, but it IS a helpful tool for starting a constructive dialog about mental health.

Lastly, remember that while mental illness takes many forms and conditions, there are a myriad of treatment options available and the resources to get folks connected with the right kind. Some of our favorites are the NAMI Helpline (800-950-NAMI), the SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, MentalHealth.gov, and Mental Health America's Finding Therapy. As always, if you or anyone you know is in a crisis state, you may call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, 211, or 911, at anytime.