Slogan: Shine a Light on Mental Illness and Let Others Know There is Hope and Understanding

By: Nanditha Krishnamsetty, M.D.

Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. October 2 through October 8 is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Each year, the week provides an opportunity to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care.

One in five adults experience mental illness problems every year and 50 percent of chronic mental illness begins by age 14. Although many people today understand that mental illness is a medical condition, individuals and families affected by mental illness are still often subjected to stigma and discrimination.

Anyone can experience mental health problems. Friends and family can make all the difference in a person’s recovery process. You can help by recognizing the signs of mental health problems and connecting your friend or family member to professional help. Supportive friends can play an important role in the mental health recovery process.  All too often, people respond negatively or dismissively when an individual discloses their mental health disorder.

This year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is calling on everyone to shine a light on mental illness and replace stigma with hope.Tuesday, October 4 is the National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding. The prayers and actions of both faith communities and secular organizations can help to shine a light on mental illness and replace stigma with hope. To learn more, visit www.nami.org.

In addition, as part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, National Depression Screening Day will be held Thursday, October 6. If you or someone you know may need a mental health assessment, a free and anonymous mental health screening is available online at www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org/.

Shine a light on mental illness and replace stigma with hope by taking the pledge to be stigma free. To take the #Stigmafree pledge, visit www.nami.org/stigmafree.

Psychiatrist Nanditha Krishnamsetty, M.D., is part of Bay Behavioral Health at Raritan Bay Medical Center, a member of the Hackensack Meridian Health family. The practice provides comprehensive assessment, counseling and, when necessary, medication management for children (age 8) through adults to achieve mind/body wellness.  Bay Behavioral Health is located at Raritan Bay – Old Bridge, Suite 302, 3 Hospital Plaza.  For more information or to make an appointment, call 732.360.4077.

If you or someone you love is suffering from a serious mental health problem or have mentioned suicide, call Raritan Bay’s crisis hotline to speak with an experienced mental health counselor. This free, confidential service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 732.442.3794.