Dear Editor:

Mental illness is a medical illness. It is a disease like diabetes, cancer or high blood pressure. Just like other diseases, those suffering need treatment, medication and understanding.

October 4-10 is Mental Illness Awareness Week, dedicated to public education about serious mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. About 60 million Americans experience mental health problems in any given year. One in 17 lives with the most serious illnesses. You can learn more about mental illness and symptoms at www.nami.org. Talk with your doctor if you or a loved shows warning signs.

Treatment works, but it can take 10 years, between the onset of symptoms and getting help. Half of cases begin by age 14, but less than half of children or adults get help when they need it. People with serious mental illness live 25 years less than other people.

This Saturday, October 3, NAMI Georgia is holding its annual walk to raise money and awareness about our country’s need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illness. Troup County will be represented by a team of walkers who have been soliciting donations from their families and friends. If you would like to make a donation, you can mail a check to NAMI TROUP, P. O. Box 902, LaGrange, GA 30241

Tammy Rogers

Valerie West

co-presidents, NAMI Troup