NAMI Kane County North calls on everyone to 'Go Stigma Free'

May is Mental Health Month.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is calling on everyone to learn the symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and to "go stigma free."

One in five adults experience mental health problems every year; however, 50 percent of chronic mental illness begins by age 14 and three-quarters by age 24.

Although many people today understand that mental illness is a medical condition, individuals and families affected by mental illness are still often subjected to stigma and discrimination.

"Going stigma free involves three basic steps," said Laurie Huske of NAMI Kane County North.

• Learn about mental health - educate yourself and others.

• See the person not the illness - listen and understand.

• Take action - spread the word, raise awareness and make a difference.

"Individuals, businesses, schools, community organizations and others can all make a pledge to take these steps."

NAMI offers information about mental health conditions, symptoms and treatment at www.nami.org or through its Helpline at (800) 950-NAMI (6264). "This is a time to raise public awareness about mental health," said Huske. "NAMI hopes everyone will also talk about what they learn with family, friends and others."

"It is also a time to free everyone from stereotypes that too often discourage people from getting help when they need it."