Are You Fruity?

Today is the start of Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 3rd to the 9th).  It was  established in 1990 by the U.S. Congress to set aside the first week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI’s efforts to raise mental illness awareness. It does differ from Mental health Month in a number of areas.

First of all, it’s only a week long.  Secondly, it was established by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families and friends living with mental illness.  Mental Health Month, (May), was said to have begun in 1949.  I’m not sure who started it, but Mental Health America continues a tradition each year of celebrating. The 3rd difference is just the “terms” used in the name.  The week is for Mental “Illness” and the month is for Mental “Health.”

So which one should you celebrate?  Both! Any time we have a chance to bring positive awareness to recovery from Mental disorders, we should do whatever we can to support it!  Even if it is just reading about what others are doing.

For instance, just reading my blog is supporting me. In turn writing the blog, supports Psych Central and they support thousands of peers with recovery and so on.  Together, we can all more forward!  Some with small steps.  Others with a long stride.  That space we cover does not matter…it’s the movement and progress that does!!

Here are some links, for you to make those steps, from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Note these links may only stay active during Mental Health Week. Right click them and “Save As” the projects you want to keep.

Here is what others are doing this week:

Coming-out-crazy is on the road for mental health awareness week!

A message from Dr. John Grohol,the CEO and founder of Psych Central about Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Illness Awareness Week 2010: Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives BLOG.

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From Psych Central's World of Psychology:
Best of Our Blogs: October 5, 2010 | World of Psychology (October 5, 2010)

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Bad Ideas for Mental Illness Awareness Week | Mental Health Humor (October 6, 2010)

    Last reviewed: 7 Oct 2010