Putting Mental Illness Awareness on the Calendar
Take a look at the calendar and you are sure to find someone celebrating some day or week. Sometimes it can be a celebration of silly things like National Hotdog Day, or Madhatter Day. While other days are more traditional like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Too often though, there are days that need to be in our forethought every day, like Mental Illness Awareness Week, but are overlooked or not recognized. 
MIAW is a public campaign held yearly to raise awareness about mental illness. An educational tool used to encourage people to put an end to stigma and to advocate for treatment and recovery, MIAW events were held during the week of Oct. 2-8.
While mental health issues are important to address year round, highlighting these issues during Mental Illness Awareness Week provides a time for people to come together and display the passion and strength of those working to improve the lives of those living with mental illness. 
Many local organizations held several events throughout the community highlighting the importance of taking care of our mental health. Kim Kendell, Youth Outreach Worker with Mental Health & Addictions have been setting up a display at the College of the North Atlantic in Stephenville for the past 5 years. Partnering with Canadian Mental Health Association and Community Youth Network, CNA students were invited to participate in relaxing and rejuvenating activities such as coloring, puzzles, and playdoh. While enjoying a healthy snack they engaged in conversation and walked away with several useful resources.
Staff, students and visitors at the LS Eddy Memorial Complex could also avail of resources, one of which was a bright orange silicone bracelet that offered awareness that the wearer supports the Mental Illness Awareness initiative.
Ms. Kendell, feels that “Each year more and more people are looking forward to these prevention and promotion events. Too many times, society sees the illness first and the person a distant last, this MUST change.” 
