Building Community, Taking Action
Since 1990, mental health advocates across the country have joined together during the first week of October to celebrate Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW).
What is Mental Illness Awareness Week?
Established in 1990 by Congress, the first week of October is designated as "Mental Illness Awareness Week" (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI’s efforts to raise mental illness awareness. "Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day" (BDAD) is held each year on the Thursday of MIAW to encourage further understanding and promote early intervention and treatment for this mental illness.
MIAW and BDAD are NAMI’s premiere public awareness and public education
campaigns that link the organization nationally to the organization’s
over 1100 local affiliates across the country.
Over the past 16 years, MIAW has become a tradition in NAMI. It
presents an opportunity for all three levels of NAMI –national, state
and local – to work together in communities across the country in
meeting the NAMI mission through a variety of outreach, educational,
and advocacy efforts.
What is Bipolar Awareness Day?
Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day was created by NAMI (National
Alliance on Mental Illness) and Abbott Laboratories to increase
awareness of bipolar disorder, promote early detection and accurate
diagnosis, reduce stigma, and minimize the devastating impact on the
2.3 million Americans presently affected by the disorder.
BDAD activities focus on encouraging the community to:
- Learn more about the symptoms of bipolar disorder and mental illness and understand its impact on society.
- Participate in a free mental health screening held in many communities.
- Reach out to individuals suffering from bipolar disorder or mental illness.
- Encourage individuals with bipolar disorder to seek treatment.
For more information on activities in your community, please contact your local NAMI.
Also, NAMIWALKS will be held in 18 communities from October 1 through November. Find the NAMIWALK near you .
For information on either MIAW or BDAD, contact
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.
Resources from NAMI:
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