During the week of November 7-11, 2022  schools throughout the United States will celebrate National School Psychology Week (NSPW) to highlight the important work school psychologists and other educators do to help all students thrive. This year's theme is "Together We Shine" which is derived from how we see hope after several challenging years. We have all faced difficulties created by the pandemic, social injustice and inequity, economic stress, and challenges to mental and physical health.  Reconnecting with others and reestablishing the sense of being valued parts of a greater whole empowers students and adults to find purpose and possibility.  

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers. Despite mental illnesses’ reach and prevalence, stigma and misunderstanding are also, unfortunately, widespread.

That is why each year, during the first week of October, NAMI and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness. Each year, we educate the public, fight stigma and provide support. And each year, our movement grows stronger.

We believe that mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round, but highlighting them during Mental Illness Awareness Week provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice. Since 1990, when Congress officially established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large or small, to educate the public about mental illness.

MIAW 2023

• Mental Illness Awareness Week occurs during the first week of October and this year, it is observed from October 1 to 7. Millions of people live with a mental illness and it not only affects them but also those around them — family, friends, or coworkers.

• Mental Illness Awareness Week is run in collaboration with the National Alliance of Mental Illness (N.A.M.I). NAMI’s goals are to raise awareness of mental illnesses, fight discrimination, and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week (M.I.A.W.). This has become a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice. During this week events are held to promote community outreach and public education concerning mental illnesses. Events include art/music events, educational sessions, advertising campaigns, health fairs, prayer services, movie nights, candlelight vigils, and benefit runs.

• M.I.A.W. coincides with similar campaigns in early October such as World Mental Health Day, National Depression Screening Day, and National Day Without Stigma.

How to Engage Online with MIAW

NAMI is featuring videos from real people sharing their lived experience with some of the symptoms and conditions we are focusing on during MIAW. Click on the link below to see videos on Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder.