Make your voice heard on mental illness
National Alliance on Mental Illness Kane County North commends the Daily Herald and writers Marie Wilson and Elena Ferrarin for their series on mental health issues in our communities.
Mental illnesses affect one in five people, regardless of race, religion or financial standings.
Half of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75 percent by age 24, but early intervention programs can help.
Ninety percent of those who die by suicide have an underlying mental illness.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, but suicide is preventable.
Over 20 American war veterans commit suicide every day.
It is a fact that you know someone with a mental illness. It is also a fact that mental illnesses are biological illnesses, are no one's fault, are treatable and recovery is possible.
What is holding us back from bringing all this knowledge into our daily conversations? Stigma. Stigma prevents people from getting treatment. Stigma contributes to isolation and loneliness. Stigma makes people feel shame.
Each of us can take daily steps to help erase the stigma of mental illness.
• Talk about it. Share your experiences of recovery and hope.
• Do not participate in shaming, blaming language.
• Educate yourself, just as you would about any other illness.
• Practice empathy, compassion and support.
• Contact your legislators and ask that they make mental health a priority.
• Support your local police and fire departments and encourage Crisis Intervention Training for all first-responders.
Mary Giliberti, CEO of NAMI, says "We want everyone to know they are not alone on this journey and together, we have hope."
Our loved ones should not suffer in silence. Make your voice heard … talk about it!
Laurie Huske
Board president
NAMI Kane County North
Elgin