Be aware of mental illness, help agencies

Editor:

Mental Illness Awareness Week was Oct. 5-11. Mental illness effects one on four adults, and one in 10 children in the U.S.

We encourage people to learn the symptoms of mental illness and where to find help in case it's needed. When an individual or family has a mental health concern, they should discuss it with their physician, who may refer them to a mental health professional. Information is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at www.nami.org.

Mental illness may affect a person's thinking, feelings, moods, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. As a local affiliate of NAMI, we provide free NAMI education classes and support groups for family members, as well as recovery programs and peer support for individuals who have mental health issues.

For more information, contact NAMI Wayne and Holmes Counties at 330-264-1590.

Helen Walkerly

Executive director

NAMI Wayne

and Holmes Counties

Wooster