Topic
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one-fifth of our society suffers from mental illness. Of those affected, roughly half receive treatment. Because mental illness is so prevalent, widely misunderstood, and often left untreated or ignored, it is crucial to raise awareness about mental illness, teach others how to identify its symptoms, and provide resources for how to find help.
Scope
We chose to address mental illness in adolescents and young adults because these members of our community are at a high risk of developing a mental illness. Research from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) indicates that people are most likely to develop a mental illness between the ages of 14 and 25. According to NIMH, 50% of adolescents (ages 13-18) have a mental illness, 20% of which are considered severe or debilitating. Raising awareness about mental illness is crucial not only for the people diagnosed with it, but also for their family and friends. We, as librarians, hope to provide resources that will aid our communities in recognizing symptoms, finding help and treatment, and raising awareness of this commonly misunderstood health issue.
Mental Health Help 