In 1989, Congress proclaimed the first week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) as a means to increase research and public awareness on issues related to mental illness. Since that time, Mental Illness Awareness Week has been useful in raising awareness and educating millions of Americans about mental illness and mental illness recovery. The U.S. Surgeon General has said that one in five Americans will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. With new imaging technology the brain can be mapped to indicate which sections are active during a particular situation or task. This affirms more than ever the fact that mental illness is a physical illness, an illness of the brain. The President’s New Freedom Commission Report on Mental Health identifies stigma as the primary hindrance to people seeking medical care when they experience symptoms of a mental illness. Sadly, this exacerbates the problem and it is of particular concern when masses of people are exposed to the probability of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the aftermath of events such as hurricane Katrina.

With reference to Katrina and Rita the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation’s Medical Director, Dr. Richard Powers, M.D., is expecting a significant increase in cases of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Studies have shown that as many as 15 to 25% of those directly affected by the storm will develop symptoms. One population that is of great concern is children. The DMH/MR is working with the Department of Public Health and the Department of Education to assure that all displaced students have access to teachers and counselors with basic competency in the management of students exposed to traumatic life events. Hopefully, displaced adults will seek medical help if they experience depression, change in appetite, loss of sleep, reoccurring nightmares and other symptoms of PTSD. The DMH/MR is optimistic that events like Mental Illness Awareness Week will encourage people to be more attuned to their own mental health.

DMH/MR officials point out that Mental Illness Awareness Week is also a time when we can reflect on the significant contributions individuals with a mental illness have made to the world. Famous people who have publicly acknowledged experiencing a mental illness include; Sir Winston Churchill, Buzz Aldrin, Ben Stiller, Brian Wilson, Fiona Apple, Halle Berry, Queen Elizabeth, Harrison Ford, Anthony Hopkins, Janet Jackson, Mike Wallace, Jane Pauley and Abraham Lincoln. (Source: www.nami.org/helpline/peoplew.htm) DMH/MR Commissioner John Houston stated, “It is the dawning of a new day in mental health. In the past, many individuals felt ashamed and embarrassed about having a mental illness or having a family member with mental illness. Because of these feelings, they often tried to hide the fact of the illness and would not seek help. Now we know that mental illness occurs as a result of a biological / chemical dysfunction of the brain. Genetic factors may create a predisposition in some people, and life traumas may engender the onset of symptoms, but it is important to remember that mental illness is a biological illness that responds to treatment just as physical illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes. We hope that increased awareness will prompt greater acceptance and understanding of the illness and will result in more people seeking treatment. Treatment and recovery results not only in a stronger and healthier individual, but also strengthens the family and community as well. When we respond to this illness with understanding and support, everyone wins.”

Various advocacy groups will hold special events and candle light vigils across the state to commemorate Mental Illness Awareness Week. For more information about these observances contact NAMI Alabama at www.namialabama.org or call the DMH/MR Public Information
Office at 334-242-3417.