You Are Not Alone – PRSA Pittsburgh Stands by Those with Mental Illness

Ending the Stigma

Diabetes. Cancer. Alzheimer’s. They’re noble causes that hundreds of thousands of individuals across the nation come together to raise funds and awareness for.

Depression. Suicide. Anxiety. They’re causes just as noble, though are so often stigmatized.

But mental illness isn’t just having a bad day. It’s not just feeling a little bummed every now and then. It’s not just a simple switch able to be turned off.

Mental illness is life-changing. It’s unpredictable. It often requires both psychological and medical treatment, in addition to conscious self-care management. It’s very, very real.

In fact, according to NAMI.org:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
• 1 in 25 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
• Suicide is the 2^nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34

Despite these numbers, less than half of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2018.

It begs the question: why are individuals not receiving treatment? Is it healthcare or cost-related? Or is the stigma against mental illness so powerful it prevents individuals from seeking necessary treatment for fear of tarnishing their personal reputation or even job security?

We want to see change. That’s why PRSA Pittsburgh has partnered with NAMI Keystone this past year to offer communications outreach on behalf of their “CEOs Against Stigma” campaign.

NAMIWalks Keystone Pennsylvania

And now you can help, too. Join us at the NAMIWalks Keystone Pennsylvania on Sunday, October 6 at the Monroeville Community Park West.

Or, if you can’t make it on Sunday, consider making a donation to our team here.

All funds raised directly support the mission of NAMI to provide support, education, and advocacy to individuals and families right here in our community.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

NAMIWalks Keystone Pennsylvania kicks off this year’s Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 6-12. Mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers. Throughout the week, take the time to educate yourself and those around you about the facts surrounding mental illness.

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.