Marking the 16th annual World Mental Health Day (October 10), UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, “Mental health is of paramount importance for personal well-being, family relationships and an individual’s ability to contribute to society. On this World Mental Health Day, let us recognize that there can be no health without mental health.” Original Source:… Read More: No Health Without Mental Health »
Headline of an October 12 editorial at TheDay.com in Connecticut: Mental Illness Is Closer Than People Realize. “Every town has people with mental illness. The genes, molecules, brain changes and trauma that cause mental illnesses do not check ZIP codes or income.” “Chances are that you meet people with mental illnesses every day without knowing… Read More: Closer Than People Realize »
A recent study endorsed by the PPA (Philippine Psychiatric Association) revealed that “32 percent of government workers are suffering from one form of mental disorder or another.” “This goes to show that from all walks of life there are a lot of mental health issues that could be problematic to the individual, but they are… Read More: Mental Health in the Phillipines »
The Mental Health Association of Maryland will conduct a 12-hour instructor training course for mental health first aid from November 10-14. “Mental health first aid is the initial help given to someone developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis before appropriate professional or other assistance can be engaged.” To learn more… Read More: Mental Health First Aid »
Headline from the TimesOnline in the U.K. (Oct. 7): “Workers keep silent on mental health problems” http://tinyurl.com/4ph6a7 “Workers may feel comfortable handing in a sick note for flu or physical illness this winter but mental health problems such as depression still carry a stigma.” “Nearly half of workers reported not being happy to disclose a… Read More: Mental Health and the Work Place »
“Depression affects 20 million Americans above the age of 18 each year. More than 80 percent of those diagnosed with depression can be successfully treated, but it takes early recognition, intervention and support.” Source: http://tinyurl.com/3zy4vc ThePittsburghChannel.com reports, “The Allegheny County Department of Human Services has teamed up with Screening for Mental Health Inc. to offer… Read More: Depression – Treatment Success »
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will host its 4th Annual Gala celebration, “Unmasking Mental Illness” this Wednesday evening, October 15, 2008. The event, attended by members of Congress, political leaders, scientists and researchers, includes presentation of the Mind of America Scientific Research Award to a scientist whose efforts have resulted in ground-breaking research… Read More: “Unmasking Mental Illness” – October 15 »
Dr. Gariane Gunter, a psychiatrist in South Carolina recently crowned Mrs. United States, will dedicate her reign to raising public awareness about mental illness. Gunter is currently teaching “Breaking the Silence,” a curriculum designed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), to all fifth grade classes at an elementary school in her hometown. http://www.btslessonplans.org… Read More: Mrs. United States ‘Breaks the Silence’ »
The recently established Mental Health Commission of Canada announced it will address stigma against the mentally ill through a national strategy. However, two writers for ChronicleHerald.ca say we should not wait until a national strategy is unveiled to begin to address the complex issues that need our attention. They offer “10 steps to immediately begin… Read More: Face mental illness: a 10-step plan »
A postal stamp to raise funds for mental health research and patient support has been launched in Nova Scotia to coincide with with Mental Illness Awareness Week. The stamp features a person stepping out of the shadows with a megaphone to broadcast the plight of mental health patients. Canada Post hopes to raise $1 million… Read More: Postage Stamp for Mental Health »