Why should members of a community be educated about mental illness?

People need education to recognize the symptoms and signs of mental disorders and suicidal behaviors. Anyone can have a hand in preventing suicide, and enhancing knowledge and involvement in communities is key to forming networks of support.
When school systems include mental health education as part of the curriculum, teachers, too, learn about suicide prevention. In turn the information students bring home helps to educate their parents, who have a critical need to understand the symptoms of mental disorders and warning signs for suicide.