Author: Sandra Barton Smith /

October is Mental Illness Awareness Month

October 4-10, 2020 Mental Health Awareness Week

From our partners at NAMI: The theme of this year’s Mental Illness Awareness Week is, “What People with Mental Illness Want You to Know.” Throughout the week, we will be raising the voices of those with lived experience to talk about some of the conditions and symptoms that are most misunderstood.  ACTION: Visit the NAMI Blog at nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog and look for the social media posts.

Mental Health by the Numbers…. before Covid-19.

Grief and Mental Health – The Dougy Center is the National Center for Grieving Children and Families based in Portland, Oregon. A school and community toolkit and grief resources are available to all. Recommended resource:  WHEN YOUR WORLD IS ALREADY UPSIDE DOWN, Supporting Grieving Children and Teens during the COVID-19 Global Health Crisis.

Mental Illness Awareness Week runs from October 4 – 10 and coincides with additional related events:

You Are Not Alone

NAMI continues our year-long awareness campaign, You Are Not Alone, to feature the stories of people affected by mental illness to fight stigma, inspire others and educate the broader public. Now more than ever, the mental health community must come together and show that no one is ever really alone. No one should be without the information, support, connection and help they need. ACTION: Take time to read:  Personal stories

A call to prayer … a sign of action …..Candlelighting Service

We light the candle of Truth that God will help us dispel ignorance and misinformation about major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. (Silent prayer)

We light the candle of Healing that troubled minds and hearts, broken lives and relationships might be healed.  (Silent prayer)

We light the candle of Understanding that the darkness of stigma, labels, exclusion and marginalization might be dispelled for the sake of those touched by mental illness.  (Silent prayer)

We light the candle of Hope for persons and families living with mental illness, for better treatment, for steadier recovery, for greater opportunity to work and serve.  (Silent prayer)

We light the candle of Thankfulness for compassionate, dedicated caregivers and mental health professionals; for new discoveries in brain research and better medications.  (Silent prayer)

We light the candle of Faith to dispel doubt and despair for those who have lost hope and are discouraged.  (Silent prayer)

We light the candle of Steadfast Love to remind us of God’s love and faithfulness, and to remind us to share the light of love and service for those living with mental illness.  (Silent prayer)