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 Mental Health Awareness Week
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County Mental Health Crisis Line (503) 988-4888; (800) 716-9769
Mental Health Awareness Week Oct 4-10, 2009
A theatrical production portraying the inner lives of people with schizophrenia, a PBS documentary exploring the mental health care system and the challenges facing persons with mental illness, and an educational e-mail-a-day to more than 60,000 desks in Multnomah County are among the activities taking place in observance of Mental Health Awareness Week, October 4-10.
“Mental illnesses are medical illnesses—disorders of the brain like diabetes and asthma are disorders of other organs of the body. That is the starting point for understanding, as well as treatment and recovery, and the message for Mental Health Awareness Week,” said Terri Walker, President of the Board of Directors of NAMI Multnomah, local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Mental Illness Awareness Week was designated by Congress in 1990 to promote public education about serious mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Scheduled activities include:
October 5-9: An e-mail message per day to 60,000 desks each morning with information on the illnesses that affect some 60 million Americans. More than 30 local organizations have partnered with NAMI to distribute messages to their employees and clients.
October 7 at 12 Noon & 6:30 PM: “Achieving Wellness & Recovery in Mental Illness,” a seminar on choices in recovery, with a light meal followed by lecture and discussion. Portland Providence Medical Center Amphitheatre.
October 13, 10 PM: Oregon Public Broadcasting “Minds on the Edge” Frank Sesno explores the challenges facing people with mental illness in this PBS report that challenges the mental health care system. For information on other broadcast dates, visit www.mindsontheedge.org .
October 16, 7:30 PM: “Found Lives,” a moving theatrical production that explores the inner lives of people with schizophrenia, written in the words of patients themselves by OHSU psychiatrist Dr. William H. Wilson and professional playwrights Michael Wehrli and Kristina Armetta. Artists Repertory Theatre, 1516 SW Alder.
60 Million Americans
Mental illness affects one in every five American families.
In the United States, mental illness accounts for 25% of all disability, more than twice as much as heart disease and cancer combined.
Mental illnesses are medical illnesses, biological disorders of the brain. Just as diabetes and asthma disrupt the functioning of other organs of the body, these disorders affect the functioning of the brain—disrupting a person's thinking, feeling, mood, and ability to function as they would like. Just as with other illnesses, treatment can help those who are affected to lead active, fulfilling lives.
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Bipolar Disorder affects 10 million Americans
More than 10 million Americans are affected by this complex, chronic disorder. Often called manic-depressive disorder, it causes extreme shifts in mood, energy and functioning. Misdiagnosis is a major problem; many people suffer for ten years or more before an accurate diagnosis is made. Undiagnosed, it can lead to harmful consequences, including substance abuse, incarceration, and suicide—with enormous costs to individuals and society.
The Good News: While there is no cure, effective treatment options can help those with bipolar disorder to lead fulfilling lives. 80% of people with bipolar disorder respond quickly to treatment. For more information, click here.
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Untreated Illness: Staggering costs to society
Of the nearly 60 million Americans experiencing mental illness on any given day, some 240,000 are homeless and 283,000 are in jail, instead of getting the treatment they need.
Severe mental illnesses are treatable disorders of the brain. Left untreated, they are among the most disabling and destructive illnesses known to humankind, with staggering consequences for the individual and society: unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, wasted lives and suicide. The economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than $100 billion each year in the United States. The Good News: Today's best treatments for serious mental illnesses are highly effective; 70-90% of individuals have significantly reduced symptoms and improved quality of life with a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments and supports.
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In Mental Illness, Treatment Works!
• One in five American adults—almost 60 million Americans—experiences a mental health disorder in any given year.
• Mental illness often first appears between adolescence and age 25. Alcohol and drug use often mask severe mental illness, making diagnosis difficult.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds, responsible for more deaths in this age group that all other illnesses combined.
The Good News: Treatment is often more effective than in other illnesses:
• 80% of people with bipolar disorder respond quickly to treatment
• 65% of people with major depression respond quickly to treatment
• 60% of people with schizophrenia can be relieved of acute symptoms with proper medication.
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Does Someone You Love Have a Mental Illness?
Mental Illness is treatable, and knowledge is power.
NAMI Multnomah conducts free weekly classes and support groups for persons with mental illness and their families, and helps them access resources for wellness. NAMI’s In Our Own Voice program brings “living proof” of recovery from mental illness, with individuals who present a short film and share their own personal stories of illness and recovery—and leave lots of time for questions.
If you would like to learn more, or arrange a presentation for your service club, professional organization, or work group, call us at 503-228-5692.
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This message is offered in observance of National Mental Health Awareness Week, with thanks to our community partners working to improve health and services for persons with mental illness.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education and advocacy. You can learn more about mental illness, join us, become a volunteer or make a contribution through www.nami/multnomah.
NAMI Multnomah Community Partners
Adventist Medical Center
AFSCME - Council 75
Albertina-Kerr Centers
African American Health Coalition
Archdiocese of Portland Office of Justice and Peace
Avel Gordly Center for Healing
Cascadia Behavioral Health Care
Catholic Community Services of Western Washington
Central City Concern
ChristieCare
Concordia University
Disability Rights Oregon
Folktime
Julia West House
Jewish Family and Child Services
Kaiser Permanente
Legacy Health Services
LifeWorks NW
Luke Dorf
Morrison Child and Family Services
Multnomah County Health Department
Multnomah County Mental Health and Addiction Services
Northwest Family Services
OHSU Brain Institute
Open Mind Medicine
Oregon Food Bank
Oregon Nurses Association
Oregon Psychological Association
Outside In
PayLess Drug Long Term Care Pharmacy
Portland State University
Providence Behavioral Health Services
St. Stephens Episcopal Church
SEIU, Service Employees Int'l Union Local 503
Telecare
Trillium Family Services
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
William Temple House
NAMI Multnomah
524 NE 52nd Ave, Portland, OR 97213
Phone: (503) 228-5692
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