Here’s the latest on Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) from trusted organizations.
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United States: Mental Illness Awareness Week is observed during the first full week of October each year. In 2024, observances ran October 6–12, with ongoing efforts to raise awareness and provide resources for treatment and support [sources from SAMHSA and NAMI coverage]. In 2026, expect similar timing and updated educational materials, including social media toolkits and guidance for communities to reduce stigma [sources from SAMHSA and NAMI pages].
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Global/UK context: Several major mental health charities promote MIAW or equivalent awareness weeks in October or May with regional campaigns, resources for workplaces and schools, and World Mental Health Day (October 10) tie-ins. Examples include Mental Health UK, Rethink Mental Illness, Mental Health Foundation, Mind, and Mental Health Awareness Week collaborations across the UK [sources from multiple charity pages].
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent official statements or social media toolkits from SAMHSA (US), NAMI (US), and UK charities for a quick summary or to compile a shareable awareness post. Would you prefer a brief country-specific update (US vs UK) or a global roundup?
Citations:
- Mental Illness Awareness Week details and timing (SAMHSA)[1][3]
- NAMI event dates and theme for MIAW 2026[2]
- UK and international MIAW-related resources (Mental Health UK, Mind, Mental Health Foundation, Rethink Mental Illness)[6][7][8][9]
Sources
October 6-12 is Mental Illness Awareness Week, and we're excited to celebrate! We'll also be honoring World Mental Health Day on October 10. This year, NAMI's highlighting My Mental Health at Work - check out our resources and download graphics to share!
www.nami.orgMental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) runs from 11 to 17 May 2026. Get involved and help us make sure no mind is left behind.
www.mind.org.ukMental Illness Awareness Week videos and latest news articles
globalnews.caMillions of Americans are living with a mental health condition — mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends, neighbors or coworkers. During the first week of October (October 1—October 7, 2023), SAMHSA recognizes Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) to raise awareness about mental health and provide support and treatment options for mental health conditions.
www.samhsa.govWe love that more people are talking about mental health. But this Mental Health Awareness Week (11 to 17 May), it’s time for action.
www.rethink.orgThis Mental Health Awareness Week we’re asking people to join us in taking action to support good mental health.
www.mentalhealth.org.ukThroughout the year we take part in key awareness dates which help to raise awareness of mental health, and the problems faced by those living with mental illness. Browse our calendar below and find out how you can get involved.
mentalhealth-uk.orgWilliam and Kate to visit West Midlands to mark Mental Health Awareness Week Millions to be spent on pandemic-related mental health support in schools Four in five teachers say job has affected their mental health during pandemic Poets share their experiences for World Mental Health Day 2020 Snodgrass on how his new podcast is taking the fight to mental illness
www.standard.co.ukNational mental health charity: information, services & a strong voice for everyone affected by mental illness - challenging attitudes and changing lives.
www.rethink.orgMillions of Americans are living with a mental health condition — mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends, neighbors or coworkers. During the first week of October (October 1—October 7, 2023), SAMHSA recognizes Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) to raise awareness about mental health and provide support and treatment options for mental health conditions.
www.samhsa.gov