Health-related quality of life appears to deteriorate as the number of cigarettes smoked per day increases, even in individuals who subsequently quit smoking, according to a report in the October 13 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Offering smoking cessation counseling to hospitalized smokers appears to be effective as long… Read More »
In a majority of countries, less than 2% of health funds are spent on mental health. Worldwide, every 40 seconds, one person dies of suicide – one of the leading causes of death among young adults. Suicide is a condition that is preventable. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 75% of people… Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
“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 »
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 »
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 »