From October 9^th to the 12^th, JMH will be promoting mental health awareness. Throughout the week there will be different events and activities going on. On Tuesday, there is going to be a Mental Health Quiz. Tuesday is also Picture Day so make sure to look your best! On Wednesday, at 11:45 am, there will be a Mental Health Walk. This should be a calming and relaxing way to spend your lunch. On Thursday, there will be a Wellness Fair at Study Block which will just be a fun way to get everybody together. There will be food, drinks and music as well. On Friday, there will be a guest speaker who will discuss how important Mental Health is and ways to keep ourselves stress free.

Mental Illness Awareness Week was established in 1990 to educate and increase awareness about mental illness. It takes place every year during October. Programs during Mental Illness Awareness Week are designed to create awareness and discussion to put an end to stigma and advocate for treatment and recovery.

26.2% of Americans ages 18 and older are believed to be diagnosable with a mental illness. The numbers are most likely even larger than this because of the stigma around mental illness. These range from mood disorders to anxiety and schizophrenia disorders. Many of these are treatable, but people need to seek out help.

By Griffin Bell