National Mental Health Awareness Week is right around the corner. This week, in fact (October 5th-11th). People everywhere gather to recognize the lives we've lost due to illnesses that are so often overlooked.

The fact is, 1 in 5 Americans who struggle with some form of mental illness. With that many people, it is impossible for some of our greatest leaders or muses to have had something going on upstairs. Actually, we are constantly surrounded by people with mental illness, people who continue to thrive and succeed.

Some days are worse than others, and it really can be compared to walking around with a ball and chain, and that's a big reason why mental illness is so scary. I also think it scares us to think that the world runs on mental illness, because of such large numbers of people who have them.

In order to break down some of the barriers people may have when it comes to mental illness, Mary Baldwin's communication, psychology, and social work departments have gathered to offer a wonderful learning experience.

On October 6th at 6 pm in Francis Auditorium, there will be a screening of the film, Infinitely Polar Bear. The movie stars Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana in a both heartbreaking and heartwarming depiction of life with bipolar disorder.

Following the movie will be a panel discussion with some of Mary Baldwin's very own, Jenna Holt and Mary Clay Thomas, as well as other local healthcare professionals.

Attend for an amazing film, and an opportunity to share, and learn about bipolar disorder amongst other mental illnesses.