In 1990 the U.S. Congress established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) efforts to raise awareness on mental illness and psychiatric disabilities. Since its inception, MIAW has become a NAMI tradition. It presents an opportunity to all NAMI state organizations and affiliates across the country to work together in communities to improve the lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness and psychiatric disabilities through outreach, education and advocacy. NAMI offers a variety of resources for MIAW 2012 including documents and press materials.
Mental health advocates across the country join together in sponsoring various activities during Mental Health Awareness Week including National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) on October 11th, 2012. NDSD is one of the nation’s oldest voluntary, community-based screening programs that raises awareness and screens individuals for depression, and related mood and anxiety disorders. The following are four specific resources available through Screening for Mental Health for taking the NDSD:
- Military Pathways
Military Pathways educates and screens military personnel and their families about the symptoms of depression, PTSD and related mood disorders – take a screening. - CollegeResponse
CollegeResponse screens students for mood and anxiety disorders and increases mental health awareness – take a screening. - CommunityResponse
Reach members of the public through the CommunityResponse screening program – take a screening. - WorkplaceResponse
Screen employees for mood and anxiety disorders and connect them with help. Implement the program through an EAP, HR office, or wellness program – take a screening.
For more information on mental illness and psychiatric disabilities please visit:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Toll Free Information Helpline: 800/950-6264 (V), 888/344-6264 (TTY)
Available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. EST
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Toll Free: 866/615-6464 (V), 866/415-8051 (TTY), 301/443-4513
Mental Health America (formerly the National Mental Health Association)
Toll Free Mental Health Resource Center: 800/969-6642 (V), 800/433-5959 (TTY)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Toll Free: 800/789-2647 (V), 866/889-2647 (TTY), 240/747-5475 (TTY International),
240/747-5484 (International) – Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST
Toll Free Referral Helpline Line: 800/662-4357
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Toll Free: 800/273-TALK (8255) connects individuals to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center i
n your area, anytime 24/7
Collection Spotlight from the National Rehabilitation Information Center 