Mental Illness Awareness Week activities planned

In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week, West Virginia University at Parkersburg's Psi Beta psychology honorary will host several activities during Oct. 4-10.

Activities are open to the public.

On Wednesday, (Oct. 7), the group will sponsor "Shifting Mood Swings," a short video describing the affects of bipolar disorder. The free film showing will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the college Theatre, Room 1305.

Immediately following the presentation, a candlelight vigil will be held in the campus courtyard.

A Mental Health Awareness Walk will be held at the college's health and wellness walking trail, located behind the main campus building, on Saturday, Oct. 10. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the walk at 9 a.m.

In addition to Psi Beta, the activities are being sponsored by the campus Psychology Club and the National Alliance on Mental Illness Mid-Ohio Valley affiliate group. The walk is in support of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families.

cd09/24/09