If you're dealing with Mental Illness, Phyllis Arends with NAMI Sioux Falls says you're not alone!  One in four adults---approximately 61.5 million Americans---experiences mental illness in a given year.  Unfortunately, many don't seek help because of a stigma surrounding mental illness.

"Some people think this way: 'If I tell my family, friends and my employer that my brain isn't working the way it used to---my life will get turned upside down.'  Unfortunately these individuals suffer too often in silence."

Phyllis encourages those suffering from mental illness to get help.

"It's a medical illness, it's treatable. The earlier you get treatment, the better your outcome.  Don't hesitate to call your family doctor and let him know what's going on."

Arends says a free video and discussion titled "Wipe Out Stigma" will take place at the Siouxland Libraries this week---Tuesday at the Ronning Branch and Wednesday at the Caille Branch beginning at 6:30 p.m.

This week is National Mental Illness Awareness Week.

 

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