Mental Illness Awareness Week

A Message from NAMI Butler County PA

Each year during the first week of October, NAMI and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness and fight stigma with Mental Illness Awareness Week. Please consider participating along with us by sharing a message of support and hope in your congregation.

Mental Illness Awareness Week runs from October 3–9, 2021 and coincides with additional related events:

Tuesday Oct. 5: National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding
Thursday Oct. 7: National Depression Screening Day
Saturday Oct. 9: NAMIWalks United Day of Hope (See namiwalks.org/keystonepa)
Sunday Oct. 10: World Mental Health Day

For ideas on how Faith Leaders can share Mental Illness Awareness Week with their communities, click here:

You can find fast facts and infographics at nami.org/mhstats, to encourage discussions about mental health through social media or other forms of outreach.

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year

Remember that NAMI Butler County PA offers free support and education for families affected by mental illness. We are here to help, and we want families to know, “You are not alone!”

Many thanks to Ann Hyle of Cranberry Township for sharing this original article. We'd like to share it with you.

What I Would Tell My Twenty-year-old Self
By Ann Hyle

My 20-something friend recently shared his spiritual testimony. He said, through some bad things in his life, he is grateful for them because they brought him closer to God.

That idea made me think of my journey with major depression and anxiety. The recurring theme through 40 years of mental health issues is that God always love me and carried me through it all.

What would I tell my 20- something self if I could?

1. Begin your day with prayer instead of telling yourself you’re depressed or dreading the start of another day. Thank God you are breathing and have an opportunity to begin again.
Use a Bible verse to inspire you, such as Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has
made let us rejoice and be glad in it”. Scripture has power.
Hebrews 4:12 says, “God’s word is powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword.”
Remember lyrics to a song that makes you happy and affirms the love of God. ”Jesus Loves Me”, is an example.

2. Think of one thing or person for which to be grateful. From 1 Thessalonians 5:18- “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus concerning you.”
Remember to thank the people in your life who have supported you. Thank your parents, or a friend. Or be grateful to your doctor or therapist, and follow their treatment plan for you diligently.

3. Reach out to someone who needs encouragement. By doing so, it takes the focus off yourself and so you follow God’s command to love others.
Matthew 7:12 is a reminder of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Also, Ephesians 4:32 reads,” Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other just as God in Christ, forgave you.”

4. Take the best care of yourself you can. Get good rest, eat healthy and exercise- that helps your brain with endorphins to make you feel better. Start small. Even a quick stroll has benefits. Have a healthy love for yourself. Mark 12:31 says :“Love your neighbor as yourself.”

5. I would tell my younger self to be lighter and not so hard on myself.
No one is perfect. It is better than good enough to do the best you can. Know that God is not mad at you! “ John 3:16 explains, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

6. Inspirational quotes, fun TV shows, music fill your mind with good things.
Read a joke book, or watch a funny movie. See the humorous side of life.
Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

My 20-something friend’s attitude inspires me to embrace even tough times, knowing they lead me to God and stronger faith. I’m still learning!

Romans 8:28- “ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him , who have been called according to His purpose.”