The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has designated the first week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW).
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has designated the first week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). According to the NAMI,one in five American adults lives with mental illness. Establishing MIAW is one of many steps NAMI has taken to increase awareness about mental illness and confront fear, discrimination in the workplace, and stigma head on. This year during MIAW, NAMI encourages people to take the #StigmaFree pledge.
People with mental illness represent many segments of the workforce. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that one in four employees need mental health care. With well-managed symptoms and support from family, friends, colleagues and a Ticket to Work service provider, people with mental illness can be successful on the job.
Work can greatly help people with mental illness earn a living, improve self-esteem, and become more independent.
For more information about employment and mental illness, check out our previous posts honoring Mental Health Month 2016.
Social Security’s Ticket to Work program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.
To learn more about Ticket to Work, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/work, or contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (Voice) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket to Work Find Help tool.
Opt in to receive information about the Ticket Program via text. Text the word "TICKET" to 474747
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