Mental Illness Awareness Week: What It Is and Why It Still Matters
Every October, the first full week is dedicated to Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW)—a national observance established by Congress in 1990. At first glance, it may sound like just another awareness campaign, but three decades later, it still matters more than ever. Why? Because despite progress in conversation, stigma, access to care, and cultural understanding, the gap between awareness and action remains wide.
A Brief History of MIAW
Mental Illness Awareness Week was spearheaded by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to highlight the prevalence of mental health conditions, reduce stigma, and encourage treatment. Back then, one in five adults experienced mental illness each year. A number that has not changed significantly today, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Why Awareness Still Matters in 2025
Persistent Stigma: Research published in The Lancet Psychiatry shows that although public attitudes toward mental health have improved since the 1990s, stigma continues to affect people in workplaces, schools, and healthcare settings. Stigma prevents people from seeking treatment or speaking openly.
Access to Care: According to Mental Health America, more than 50% of U.S. adults with a mental health condition still go untreated. Awareness campaigns like MIAW remind us that systemic barriers—cost, insurance, availability—still need solutions.
Youth Mental Health Crisis: CDC data reveal that 42% of U.S. high school students reported persistent sadness or hopelessness in 2021. Awareness among parents, educators, and communities is crucial to intervening early.
From Awareness to Action
Awareness weeks are not just hashtags or slogans. They serve as catalysts. The real impact happens when awareness translates into meaningful action:
Normalizing conversations about therapy, coaching, and psychiatric care.
Supporting schools, workplaces, and communities in integrating mental health resources.
Advocating for systemic change, from insurance parity to workplace accommodations.
Something You Might Not Know
Did you know that according to a 2023 Journal of Psychiatric Research study, individuals exposed to awareness campaigns combined with accessible local resources were up to 40% more likely to seek help within six months? This is why events like MIAW still matter. They keep mental health at the forefront and drive tangible behavior change.
Why It Matters to Us
At Palm Atlantic Behavioral Health, we believe that awareness is the first step, but support is the bridge to lasting change. Whether through therapy, coaching, or resources for students and families, we are here to turn conversations into action.