October 2-8 is Mental Illness Awareness Week. MIAW is a time to learn about serious mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Mental illnesses are biological, psychological and social in nature. They affect all communities and cultures.

One in four adults experiences a mental disorder in any given year. One in 17 adults lives with serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder. And in America, more people die by suicide (50% more) each year than by homicide.

MIAW is especially important this year as severe budget cuts threaten mental health services in many communities around the country. People who do not receive treatment may end up in hospitals, shelters, in jail or dead.

Treatment works—and saves lives.

Learn more about mental illness and support, education and advocacy to improve the lives of individuals affected by serious mental illnesses at www.nami.org. Please join the public dialogue during MIAW.

You can also take part in Depression Screening Day on October 5th, from 11am-3pm.  UCS will offer free screenings for depression and anxiety to all UMBC students (http://my.umbc.edu/groups/ucs/events/8543).