Mental Illness Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day

Mental health affects everyone. While one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental health condition annually, the impact extends to the friends, family, coworkers, and others who support them. Mental health is something we all experience, manage, and need support with. No one should have to face these challenges alone. From October 5–11 celebrate community with this year’s theme, “Building Community: Supporting Mental Well-being Together,” underscoring the power of meaningful connections, grassroots advocacy, and local action to strengthen mental health support nationwide. Learn more.

Recognizing the need to raise awareness and address mental health challenges, Congress officially established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in 1990, thanks to NAMI’s advocacy. Since then, communities across the country have come together annually to raise awareness, fight stigma, and support mental health.