LUCERNE, Calif. – Millions of Americans live and cope with a mental health condition. An even greater number witness the struggles of at least one family member, friend or coworker.

Despite the number of people affected and the broad availability of programs and services to assist those in need, widespread misunderstanding and stigma surround mental illness.

Oct. 4 to 10 is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, is striving to raise public awareness of the many effects of mental illness.

“Many don’t seek out treatment in early phases, because they don’t recognize the signs and symptoms,” said Todd Metcalf, director of Lake County Behavioral Health Services.

Mental Health America, or MHA, recently developed free online screening tools for seven major mental health conditions, now available at www.MHAscreening.org.

These brief screenings lend insight into whether you or someone you care about may be experiencing clinical anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, an eating disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome, or a substance use disorder.

While a screening is not a diagnosis, it can be the gateway to initiating a discussion with a loved one or mental health professional.

These unprecedented times have highlighted the critical role effective diagnosis and management of mental conditions plays in households and communities.

MHA’s online screening tools and resources from NAMI can be conversation starters that prompt lifesaving and transformative change.

Lake County Behavioral Health Services aims to support county residents’ mental health and well-being. They invite community members to join them in the effort of sharing information about good mental health.

“We want to replace stigma with hope – during Mental Illness Awareness Week and throughout the year,” said Metcalf.

For more information, please contact Lake County Behavioral Health Services at 707-274-9101 or 707-994-7090.