Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) which will be held October 5-11, 2008 is a time to educate oneself and others about mental illnesses in order to overcome the stigma attached to mental illnesses. Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day and National Depression Screening Day is a part of MIAW. Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day is Thursday, October 9, 2008. Bipolar disorder affects 6 million Americans. National Depression Screening Day takes place Friday, October 10, 2008. Depression affects 19 million Americans or 9.5 percent of the population. To locate a screening site in your neighborhood click on the following website: http://register.mentalhealthscreening.org/Locator1.aspx?MPEID=2 For an online assessment of either bipolar disorder or depression go to: https://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening/select_screening.asp
This blog is about educating and empowering peers, caregivers, and loved ones with hope for recovery. I describe my experience living with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. I've been in recovery since 2007. I've experienced setbacks, but also triumphed through challenges. I encourage you to share your thoughts and to believe that better days are attainable. Thank you for visiting. Welcome to my life in recovery... Ashley Smith