October 2, 2016 — October 2 through October 8, 2016, is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Each year, the week provides an opportunity to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for equal care. In Lorain County, the local and are offering daily tips on their Facebook pages and on lcbmh.org during Mental Illness Awareness Week.

"Although many people today understand that mental illness is a medical condition, individuals and families affected by mental illness are still often subjected to stigma and discrimination," states Clare Cygan Young, Executive Director of NAMI Lorain County.

One in five adults experience mental illness problems every year and 50 percent of chronic mental illness begins by age 14, according to NAMI.

"We will provide tips and links online every day of Mental Illness Awareness Week, to help Lorain County residents learn about mental and emotional wellness and find help when it is needed," said Charles Neff, Executive Director of the Lorain County Board of Mental Health (LCBMH).

Mental Illness Awareness Week also includes several nationally recognized days promoting positive mental health, including:

October 4: National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding

October 6: National Depression Screening Day

October 10: World Mental Health Day

To access the daily tips, join the NAMI Lorain Facebook page, the LCBMH Facebook page at bit.ly/lcbmhfb, or visit lcbmh.org/miaw2016.

NAMI Lorain County's mission is to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from disabling brain disorders or mental illness through providing sufferers, their families and friends with educational opportunities, support groups and advocacy in the public arena. NAMI Lorain County is an affiliate of NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Lorain County Board of Mental Health is the local public agency that plans, funds, monitors, and evaluates a system of services for residents with mental illness in Lorain County. A 24/7 crisis hotline is available by calling 1-800-888-6161. For non-emergency referrals or information about services, call 440-240-7025, or learn more at lcbmh.org.