Mental Health AwareIn the U.S. alone, more than two million people have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder while millions more don't know they have it. Bipolar disorder is one of the many mental illnesses that healthcare officials are calling attention to as part of National Mental Health Awareness Week.

"Mental illness is just like any other illness. It's treatable and it's not something that someone brings on themselves, and unless they're getting treatment, they really can't control it," said Marsha McElroy, Weems Mental Health Center therapist.

"This is a chemical imbalance. It's actually a form of depression but it's extreme mood swings that last for periods of time, but this can be treated," McElroy said.

Actress Patty Duke knows first-hand about this. She spent hours on Friday talking to media all over the country about how she suffered before her diagnosis was made.

"When I began treatment, I have been so blessed so that as I got so much support and that's when I decided that it's wrong to keep this secret. You have to tell," said Duke, who suffers from bipolar disorder.

According to healthcare officials, half of the battle of beating this is first just getting over the unjust stigma that many people have about mental disorders as a whole.

That's why on Tuesday, Oct. 10, a special health fair will be held at Kahlmus Auditorium at MSU Meridian. It will focus on much more than the most commonly known mental illnesses.

It was ill also focus on things such as Alzheimer's, dementia, and stress matters, with more than forty vendors on hand. Private and confidential screenings will also be available for those who want them.

Healthcare officials say the help is here, you just have to come out and get it.