Mental Health

The Story of Our Symbol - The Mental Health Bell
Cast from shackles which bound them, this bell shall ring out hope for the mentally ill and victory over mental illness. - Inscription on Mental Health Bell

Healthy Minds. Healthy Lives.
In recognition of Mental Health Month, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) launched the 2007 "Healthy Minds. Healthy Lives" campaign to help tear down stigma and provide free mental health information. Visit the HealthMinds website for real stories, the "Let's Talk Facts" (a brochure series designed to promote factual discussion of psychiatric disorders and treatments) and more!

Hot Topics for Business

The hot topics for business are Mental Health and the Workplace and Strategies for Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace.

Mental Health America

Mental Health America is the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. Visit Mental Health America's website for information on:

• Building Social Support
• Managing Life’s Pressures
• Staying Well When You Have a Mental Health Condition
• Depression: Know the Signs
• Depression Screener
• Stress: Know the Signs
• Helping Children Grow Up Healthy
• and More...

NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness)

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. Visit NAMI's website for more information.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

SAMHSA was developed to provide information about mental health to users of mental health services, families, the general public, policy makers, providers and the media. For more information, visit SAMHSA's website. The following are highlights of a few of the resources available.

• What a Difference a Friend Makes
  This brochure is part of SAMHSA's National Anti-Stigma campaign which is targeted to young adults and encourages them to set up and support friends who have mental illnesses. This brochure provides information and resources about recovery from mental illness, how to support a friend, myths and facts about mental illness and more.
• Finding Mental Health Services
  If you or someone you know needs to find mental health services, these resources might be helpful.
• A Mental Health Friendly Workplace
  This brochure contains information and tools for human resource professionals and managers to use in developing a mental health friendly workplace.

Resources for Children’s Mental Health Week (May 4 – 10)

• Helping Children and Youth With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Systems of Care
  This fact sheet provides basic information on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and describes an approach to getting services and supports, called “systems of care,” that helps children, youth, and families thrive at home, in school, in the community, and throughout life.
• Family Guide to Systems of Care for Children With Mental Health Needs
  The guide is intended to help parents and caregivers seek help for children with mental health needs. Information is provided on what parents and caregivers need to know, ask, expect, and do to get the most out of their experience with systems of care.
• Children’s Mental Health Facts: Bipolar Disorder
  This fact sheet provides basic information on bipolar disorder in children and describes an approach to getting services and supports, called “systems of care,” that helps children, youth, and families thrive at home, in school, in the community, and throughout life.
• Tips for Talking to Children After a Disaster: A Guide for Parents and Teachers
  Children respond to trauma in many different ways. Some may have reactions very soon after the event; others may seem to be doing fine for weeks or months, then begin to show worrisome behavior. Knowing the signs that are common at different ages can help parents and teachers to recognize problems and respond appropriately.

Resources for National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day (May 7)

• Anxiety Disorders
  This fact sheets provides information on what an anxiety disorder is, the types of anxiety disorders and where to get more information.
• Tips for Managing and Preventing Stress: A Guide for Emergency Response and Public Safety Workers
  Stress prevention and management should be addressed in two critical contexts: the organization and the individual. Suggestions for organizational and individual stress prevention and management approaches are presented in this guide.
• Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event: Managing Your Stress
  When you are exposed to traumatic events, such as natural disaster, mass violence, or terrorism, be aware of how these events can affect you personally. Know the signs of stress in yourself and your loved ones. Know how to relieve stress. And know when to get help.
  

Working with Transitioning Youth

• Entering the World of Work: What Youth with Mental Health Needs Should Know About Accommodations
  The Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy has published this fact sheet for youth who are transitioning from school to work and have mental health needs.
• Tunnels and Cliffs: A Guide for Workforce Devlopment Practitioners and Policymakers Serving Youth with Mental Health Needs
  This guide was prepared by the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth to help workforce development practitioners, adminstrators and policymakers enhance their understanding of youth with mental health needs and the supports necessary to help them transition into the workplace successfully.