Over the years stigma has become a major obstacle preventing people from seeking treatment. This year's Mental Health Awareness Day will include an observance of the 10th anniversary of Children's Mental Health Week, which begins May 6. In This Together - will feature a rally on the steps of the State Capitol at noon. Mental health consumers, family members, advocates, and others interested in raising awareness of mental health issues are invited to attend. Both awareness day and children's week are held in May, which is nationally recognized as Mental Health Month.
Organizers point out the importance of calling attention to mental health issues.
It is critical to bring these issues to the forefront and to educate the public on the effective treatment available so that we can help to end stigma and the discrimination that results from lack of knowledge. In 1999, the U.S. Surgeon General reported that stigma associated with mental illnesses is the main reason people fail to seek treatment. Stigma stands in the way when people apply for jobs, for loans, seek housing, and keeps people from seeking the help they need. Mental Health Awareness Day was originally organized as a way to educate legislators. However, in recent years, the event has focused on recovery.