October 4-10 marks Mental Illness Awareness Week. Started by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in 1990, the Week is a joining together of Mental Health Advocates to not only raise the awareness of Mental Illness in our communities, but to fight the stigmas that can become a major roadblock to recovery.

To learn more about Mental Illness Awareness week click on the previous link and also make sure to check out some of the definitions and Myths and Facts of Mental Illness.

Also, during this week many PBS television stations will be broadcasting “Minds on the Edge: Facing Mental Illness.” Check the program’s listings for days and times it will be showing in your area. Help spread the word! Use this provocative, informative program to support advocacy for reform of the mental heath care system.

In addition Fred Friendly Seminars, Inc., which produced Minds has issued a challenge to people who register as friends on the program’s Facebook page. For whoever becomes the 1,000th person to register, they will donate $250 to the non-profit mental health organization of the person’s choice.

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September 6 – 12 2009 is Suicide Prevention week which includes World Suicide Prevention Day September 10th. Suicide is a major, preventable public health problem. In 2006, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, it was the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 33,300 deaths. The overall rate was 10.9 suicide deaths per 100,000 people. An estimated 12 to 25 attempted suicides occur per every suicide death.

Suicidal behavior is complex. Some risk factors vary with age, gender, or ethnic group and may occur in combination or change over time. All suicide threats and attempts should be taken very seriously. If you or a loved one are suicidal, please get help immediately.

To learn more about suicide:  how to prevent it, the warning signs, and who it effects check out The National Institute on Mental Health and our Who Does Suicide Effect? brochure.

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