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January 20-26, 2013 is National Non-Smoking Week
Smoking is bad for your physical and mental health. Many people with mental health problems smoke because they find it helps alleviate symptoms, but this effect is short-term. Smoking puts them at even greater risk of physical ill health.


October 2012 - Bullying Prevention and Substance Abuse Prevention

What do this topics have in common?  October is the awareness month for both issues.  Learn more reasons why from this SAMHSA Blog entry: What Do Bullying and Youth Substance Use Have in Common? More Than You Might Think.

October Is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month  In addition to statistics on substance abuse, SAMHSA has material for professionals, coalitions,  and the public about Substance Abuse Prevention.  There is also a list of additional resources.

WUMH resources:

Mental Health America has developed a variety of material for parents and youth to prevent and stop bullying, including the fact sheets: Bullying: What to Do About It," and “Bullying and Gay Youth."

Other Bullying Prevention Resources:

  • Bullying: What we Know (WUMH .pdf factsheet) 
  • Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is a whole-school program that has been proven to prevent or reduce bullying throughout a school setting.
  • The Pacer Center for Bullying Prevention founded National Bullying Prevention Month. Its National Bullying Prevention Center unites, engages and educates communities nationwide to address bullying through creative, relevant and interactive resources.
  • Stop Bullying Now provides information from various government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.

July 2012 - Summer is Here!

Summer is in full swing, as this past week's hot weather has proved! People taking certain psychiatric medications must be especially careful during periods of heat and humidity, as some of these drugs do not allow the body to cool itself as well as it should. Learn more in this archived article from NAMI: Heat and Mental Illness.

Other issues to be aware of for the summer months: On a more positive note, we hope the children in your life are able to get outside and play, as soon as the temperatures cool down. Enjoying the outdoors is good for the body, mind, and soul.
Still on the fence, as to whether or not you will getaway this summer?  Vacations are good for your physical and metal health, too.  Getting out of your routine can stop the cycle of stress's negative effects on you and improve your relationships.
June 2012 - Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

A Statement From HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects a wide range of people, from children who are abused to survivors of rape, domestic violence, natural disasters, and our country's servicemen and women. During PTSD Awareness Month in June, and throughout the year, we recognize the millions of Americans who experience this challenging and debilitating condition.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that some people develop after seeing or living through an event that caused or threatened serious harm or death. PTSD may result in sleep problems, irritability, anger, recurrent thoughts or dreams about the trauma, intense reactions to and avoidance of reminders of the trauma, disturbances in interpersonal relationships, and isolation. Effective treatments for PTSD are available, such as exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and/or approved medications.

Read the rest of the Secretary's statement and get more resources.

WUMH Resources
PTSD
PTSD Organizations

Do more for 1 in 4May is Mental Health Awareness Month and to celebrate, WUMH would like to share some exciting new resources on mental health issues such as Children's, Women's, Veterans'  Mental Health and Prevention.  To read more access our May is Mental Health Month flyer, read our latest newsletter, or this editorial from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.


Ntl. Prevention Week
  • Celebrate the power of prevention;
  • Raise awareness about substance abuse and mental health issues;
  • Build support for wellness and prevention practices; and
  • Promote mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.
Related WUMH Pages
Patient and Family Friendly Resources from the National Institutes of Health
Check out, “Suicide Care in a Systems Framework”. Suicide deaths can be dramatically reduced when systems adopt a goal of zero deaths. This document describes the principles & practices that underlie successful efforts to achieve this goal.


National Women's Health Week
Women's' Health Week 2012 banner

Women's Health Week (womenshealth.gov)

Perinatal Depression Directory (Maternal Child Health Hotline website)

Gubernatorial Proclamation on Postpartum Depression (pdf)


May 2012 - Children's Mental Health Awareness Week

Children's Mental Health Awarenss DayIn a nationally representative survey of 12- to 17-year-old youth and their trauma experiences, 39 percent reported witnessing violence, 17 percent reported physical assault, and 8 percent reported a lifetime prevalence of sexual assault. 

With help from families, friends, providers, and other Heroes of Hope, children and youth can be resilient when dealing with trauma. Visit www.samhsa.gov/children to learn more.

When looking at rates of exposure to traumatic events, a nationally representative survey reported that among 12- to 17-year-old youth, 39 percent reported witnessing violence, 17 percent reported physical assault, and 8 percent reported a lifetime prevalence of sexual assault.


Research has shown that caregivers can buffer the impact of trauma and promote better outcomes for children, even under stressful times, when the following Strengthening Families Protective Factors are present:
  • Parental resilience
  • Social connections
  • Knowledge of parenting and child development
  • Concrete support in times of need
  • Social and emotional competence of children
More Resources:

April 2012 - Alcohol Awareness Month

The use and abuse of alcohol has been an ongoing matter of significant concern for the people of the state of Wisconsin. Almost 23 percent of the state’s residents drink to excess. This excess use leads to both physical and mental health complications. “Alcohol and drug use is common among American teens and more than 15 percent of them meet the criteria for substance abuse, a new study finds.” When teens start abusing substances early it is more likely that this will lead to a lifelong addiction. Source LaCrosse is attempting to address this excess use in teens as well as excess use in Wisconsin.  Read more from the LaCrosse Tribune

Related article: Anxiety, depression, stress and social support can predict early alcohol and illicit drug use in youth. Addressing mental health needs early may prevent substance abuse.

More information on Substance Abuse Disorders (WUMH)

Alcohol Screenings:
The Partnership at DrugFree.org
Screening for Mental Health, Inc.

Find Treatment:
Wisconsin Association on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Inc. (WAAODA)

Become an advocate:
AFRA stands for the Alliance for Recovery Advocates. AFRA is a statewide membership organization that embraces people who want to be recovery advocates.  AFRA's mission is to bring people of Wisconsin together to end stigma and discrimination against persons with addiction and to show, through education and advocacy, that recovery is a reality.  Learn more from the WAAODA


September is Recovery Month
National Recovery Month

Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of treatment for substance use and mental disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.

Visit the WUMH Recovery page or Recoverymonth.gov to learn more
View the President's Proclamation (.pdf)

Child Mental Health Packet  (18 page pdf - flyers, articles, book lists)

One of the primary goals of Children’s Mental Health Awareness week is to promote general awareness that infants, children, and teens can have mental health issues. Did you know that one in five children or 20 percent of children have a mental health disorder(1)? Seventy-five to 80 percent of children and youth in need of mental health services do not receive them(2). The first step to supporting children’s mental health is awareness. All of the children in our community need the support of adults around them and we all have a role in supporting children’s mental health.

To help promote a better understanding of what children’s mental health is and to provide information on where parents and communities can go to get more information and support we have created a few materials that you can use at your center. Attached to this email you’ll find the following documents:

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Flyer
How to use it: display it at your center, put it on your webpage, include it in your newsletter, and have copies available in your waiting area. We’ve provided a flyer with and without a date for Children’s Mental Health Awareness week in the event that you’d like to include the flyer in a newsletter that goes out after the awareness week has occurred. Children need our support all year so please feel free to use the materials after May.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Information Packet
How to use it: The packet contains some great articles and additional resources if your agency or parents would like more information. Please feel free to copy make copies of the packet to distribute.

- Wisconsin United for Mental Health, Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health, Wisconsin Family Ties, Wisconsin Public Broadcasting, and Supporting Families Together Association


Rep. Pasch Declares May as Mental Health Awareness Month

MADISON – Representative Sandy Pasch (D – Whitefish Bay) released the following statement regarding the state Legislature’s unanimous passage of Assembly Joint Resolution 40 on May 17, which proclaims May 2011 as Mental Health Awareness Month. Rep. Pasch was the lead author of this bipartisan resolution.“As a psychiatric nurse and longtime advocate for improved mental health services, increasing awareness of mental illness in our state is one of the primary reasons I ran for office. People living with these conditions should not be looked at or treated any differently than those with physical ailments, and we all share a responsibility in making that happen.

“With passage of Assembly Joint Resolution 40, Wisconsin joined a nation-wide effort to declare May as Mental Health Awareness Month, and I thank all of my colleagues for supporting this important recognition. This month is extremely important to those living with mental illness and those who advocate for individuals living with these conditions.

“Approving this resolution is the least the state Legislature can to do to promote awareness of these conditions, but it is my hope that this and similar efforts will help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness that continues to exist throughout society. While the stigma surrounding these conditions exists for many reasons, one fundamental reason is the simple of lack of understanding. Promoting awareness of mental health and mental wellness is vital to not only reducing stigma, but also ensuring support for appropriate and accessible services.

“Mental illness knows no age, race, gender, economic status, or political party, so I am happy that this resolution received such strong bipartisan support.”

# # #

Do More for 1 in 4.  For information on this year’s May is Mental Health Month activities, go to http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/may (Mental Health America)
Older American: Connecting the Community
Older Americans Month 2011 "Connecting the Community" pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities.

May 22 – 28 is Older Americans Mental Health Week -- Older Women’s League

WUMH Resources
Federal Resources
  • SAMHSA toolkit for promoting emotional health and preventing suicide in senior living communities
  • Elders and Families - connecting elders and their families to state and federal resources and programs, Administration on Aging
  • President Obama’s Proclamation on Older Americans Month 2011
    Older Americans are now living longer, healthier, and richer lives than ever before. As the eldest of the baby boomers turn 65, our Nation can look forward to the contributions of a new generation of American seniors. Each year, we set aside the month of May to honor older Americans, celebrate their role in steering the course of our history, and recognize their valuable insights and wisdom.  <<Read more>>
The Ties That Bind: Grandparents and Their Grandchildren Science Daily, studying the bond between grandparent and grandchild

National Women's Health Week, May 8-14, 2011
National Women's Health Week LogoWomen are the foundation of many families. We must take time to be physically active, eat well, visit a health care professional, avoid risky behaviors and pay attention to our mental health. This is especially important for new mothers.There are several ways you can participate in this week, including:
  • Encourage the women in your community to visit their doctor and make prevention a key component of their well-being.
  • Instead of a box of chocolates for Mother's Day, give yourself and/or the important women in your life a pair of walking shoes -- a gift of health.
  • Take the children for the afternoon so their mother has time to focus on herself.
  • Visit our website to find a NWHW activity or event, such as a dance contest, free health screening or 5K run, being held in your area and attend. If you're considering holding your own event, please register it.
  • Commit to regular exercise and start with the 2011 Woman Challenge, a nationwide effort encouraging regular physical activity.
Source: Office on Women's Health Letter

Postpartum Resources

More Than Just the Blues - Wisconsin Department of Health Services Brochure (.pdf)  Includes 10 quick screening questions, risk factors, tips for helping a loved one and additional resources
Deadly Delivery: The Maternal Health Care Crisis in the USA One Year Update, Spring 2011  Amnesty International.
Key findings:
  • According to new UN data, maternal mortality in the US has worsened, falling from 41st to 50th in the world.
  • Women living in low-income areas across the US were twice as likely to suffer a maternal death as women in high income areas.
  • Limited postpartum care often fails to meet women’s needs, including by not following recommendations to screen for postpartum depression, which affects 10-25% of women.
Only On NBC15: Battling Postpartum Depression (link to video)

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, May 3, 2011
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, May 3, 2011
When exposed to a traumatic event, children as young as 18 months can have serious emotional and behavioral problems later in childhood and in adulthood.
More than 35 percent of children exposed to a single traumatic event will develop serious mental health problems. With help from families, providers, and the community, young children can demonstrate resilience when dealing with trauma.

Among even very young children, ages 18 to 36 months, exposure to potentially traumatic events is associated with a range of socio-emotional and behavioral problems that may compromise healthy development and place them at risk for persistent serious psychological problems later in childhood and in adulthood.1 More than 35 percent of children exposed to a single traumatic event will develop a serious mental health problem.2

Research has shown that caregivers can buffer the impact of trauma and promote better outcomes for children even under stressful times when the following Strengthening Families Protective Factors3 are present:
  • Parental resilience
  • Social connections
  • Knowledge of parenting and child development
  • Concrete support in times of need
  • Social and emotional competence of children
Trauma Data Source:
  1. Mongillo, E.A., Briggs-Gowan, M., Ford, J.D., & Carter, A.S. (2009). Impact of Traumatic Life Events in a Community Sample of Toddlers. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 37, 455-468. (Abstract retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19034643 Exit Disclaimer)
  2. Perry, B. The Real Crisis of Katrina. National Association to Protect Children, Child Trauma Academy (Retrieved from http://vachss.com/guest_dispatches/katrina-tragedy.html Exit Disclaimer)
  3. Horton, C. (2003). Protective factors literature review. Early care and education programs and the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Center for the Study of Social Policy.
Trauma Resources

Other Resources

Child Mental Health Packet  (18 page pdf - flyers, articles, book lists)

One of the primary goals of Children’s Mental Health Awareness week is to promote general awareness that infants, children, and teens can have mental health issues. Did you know that one in five children or 20 percent of children have a mental health disorder(1)? Seventy-five to 80 percent of children and youth in need of mental health services do not receive them(2). The first step to supporting children’s mental health is awareness. All of the children in our community need the support of adults around them and we all have a role in supporting children’s mental health.

To help promote a better understanding of what children’s mental health is and to provide information on where parents and communities can go to get more information and support we have created a few materials that you can use at your center. Attached to this email you’ll find the following documents:

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Flyer
How to use it: display it at your center, put it on your webpage, include it in your newsletter, and have copies available in your waiting area. We’ve provided a flyer with and without a date for Children’s Mental Health Awareness week in the event that you’d like to include the flyer in a newsletter that goes out after the awareness week has occurred. Children need our support all year so please feel free to use the materials after May.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Information Packet
How to use it: The packet contains some great articles and additional resources if your agency or parents would like more information. Please feel free to copy make copies of the packet to distribute.

- Wisconsin United for Mental Health, Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health, Wisconsin Family Ties, Wisconsin Public Broadcasting, and Supporting Families Together Association

April 2011 - Alcohol Awareness Month

What is Dual Diagnosis?  A person who has both an alcohol or drug problem and an emotional/psychiatric problem is said to have a dual diagnosis. To recover fully, the person needs treatment for both problems. Dual diagnosis is more common than you might imagine.

How Common Is Dual Diagnosis?
According to a report published by the Journal of the American Medical Association*: Thirty-seven percent of alcohol abusers and fifty-three percent of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness.  Of all people diagnosed as mentally ill, 29 percent abuse either alcohol or drugs.

If Someone I Know Appears To Have A Substance Abuse Problem And The Symptoms Of A Psychiatric Disorder, How Can I Help?
Encourage the person to acknowledge the problems and seek help for themselves. Suggest a professional evaluation with a licensed physician, preferably at a medical center that’s equipped to treat addiction problems and psychiatric conditions. If the person is reluctant, do the legwork yourself - find the facility, make the appointment, offer to go with the person. A little encouragement may be all it takes. If you talk to the physician first, be honest and candid about the troubling behavior. Your input may give the doctor valuable diagnostic clues.

There Is Hope As a relative or friend, you can play an important role in encouraging a person to seek professional diagnosis and treatment. By learning about dual diagnosis, you can help this person find and stick with an effective recovery program.

The more you know about dual diagnosis, the more you will see how substance abuse can go hand-in-hand with another psychiatric condition. As with any illness, a person with dual diagnosis can improve once proper care is given. By seeking out information, you can learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis - and help someone live a healthier or more fulfilling life.

Content From: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/index.cfm?objectid=c7df9405-1372-4d20-c89d7bd2cd1ca1b

Learn more about alcohol abuse issues:
Substance Abuse and Addiction Disorders (WUMH)
Substance Abuse in Children and Adolescence


Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
According to SAMHSA, from 2004 to 2007, an average of 15.6 percent of Hispanic/Latino 18- to 25-year-olds reported serious psychological distress in the past year. Despite the high prevalence among this group, only slightly more than one in four (28.3 percent) of Hispanic/Latino young adults with serious psychological distress received care within the past 12 months. In that same period, an average of 20.7 percent of American Indian 18- to 25-year-olds reported serious psychological distress in the past year, and an average of 16.2 percent of Chinese American 18- to 25-year-olds reported serious psychological distress.

SAMHSA and the Ad Council Launch National Campaign To Raise Awareness About Mental Health Problems in Multicultural Communities

On July 8, 2010 SAMHSA, in collaboration with the Ad Council, announced the launch of a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign to promote recovery from mental health problems within multicultural communities by educating and inspiring young adults to talk openly about issues of mental health. The culturally targeted PSAs seek to motivate societal change toward social acceptance and decrease negative attitudes that may surround mental illness. These PSAs are part of a larger multicultural public service effort designed to reach Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Chinese American, and African American communities during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

"Raising awareness that effective treatments for mental illnesses are available and that people recover, can encourage those in need to seek help," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. "Our goal with this campaign is to open the dialogue about supporting friends or family members with mental health problems in a culturally relevant way."
May is Mental Health Month
Mental Health and Physical Health Linked to Overall Health
A growing body of research shows a strong link between mental health conditions and chronic physical diseases, functional impairment, and overall quality of life. If left unaddressed or unrecognized co-occurring mental health and physical health disorders may affect a person’s ability to adequately meet the demands of daily living.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is leading efforts to integrate mental and physical health care, and is encouraging staff and its partners to promote health integration and wellness. A Joint Statement has been created between the Division of Public Health and the Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and endorsed by the DHS and many partners. With this endorsement the DHS has worked to move forward an initiative entitled, “The Health Integration.” Information about the Initiative and the Joint Statement can be found at: http//:dhs.wisconsin.gov/mentalhealth/jointstatement/index.htm

Wisconsin United for Mental Health supports the benefits of integrated care and the promotion of wellness and screening in preventing or decreasing health conditions and chronic diseases from developing. Targeted audiences include businesses, employees, and health providers.

Prevention, early detection, treatment, recovery, and wellness are important to everyone’s physical and mental health - most importantly their overall health.

Mental health is a foundation for well-being and living a fulfilling life for an individual and community. Like “physical wellness” mental wellness is a proactive process where people need to be aware that daily lifestyle choices affect them physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually.

Linking physical health and mental health toward overall health and wellness benefits everyone!

Additional Resources:

May 6, 2010 - Children`s Mental Health Awareness Day

Two components of the campaign this year are:
"My Feelings are a Work of Art'"
Youth Action Day - "When I Grow Up"

Early Childhood Resources:
Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health
National Child Care Information and Technical Assistance Center
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (WUMH)

April 2010 - National Minority Health Month

The 2010 Theme from the U.S. Department of Minority Health is ... Man Up for Your Health!  Healthy Men Move Our Communities Forward

Stories that Heal, a website for people living with mental health problems—and their friends and family.  This site, launched by SAMHSA and Ad Council, is a Mental Health Campaign for the African American Community. Read the Press Release

WUMH Links
News


April 2010 - Teens and Risky Behaviors

38.1% of students had used marijuana one or more times during their life.

26.0% of students had had five or more drinks of alcohol in a row (i.e., within a couple of hours) on at least 1 day during the 30 days before the survey.
- 2007 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey Overview

National Study Shows Reversal in Decade-Long Declines in Teen Abuse of Drugs and Alcohol

Additional Resource
Adolescent Substance Abuse (WUMH)
Healthy Youth (CDC)
Partnership for a Drugfree America
Time to Act!  How to Tell If Your Teen is Using and Taking Action to Intervene
2010 University of Wisconsin Boys and Girls at Risk Conference Conference details

Recent news coverage of adolescent substance abuse
Fox 47 Madison - Top Story
The lethal power of legal drugs - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Recent Research on Adolescent Risky Behaviors
Long-Term Adolescent Vulnerability To Drugs Explored By Researchers
Mixing Alcohol And Sex Puts Young People At Risk
Are Latino Teens Sexual Risk Takers? It's Complicated, Researcher Says


November 2009 is ...
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
National Family Caregivers Month
National Hospice Palliative Care Month

Estimates indicate that between 2.4 and 4.7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. This number is expected to grow as the population ages rapidly, with millions more projected to develop these tragic diseases in their lifetimes. While there is no cure yet, there are effective strategies to help persons and families coping with the impacts of these diseases.

Every day, in every state and community caregivers assist friends, relatives, and loved ones with daily tasks, including personal care and homemaking as well as more complex health-related interventions like medication administration and wound care. These selfless, dedicated individuals are the backbone of America’s long term care system.

Learn more from these WUMH pages:
Alzheimer's Disease
Caregivers

Monthly Feature May 2009 - May is Mental Health Month

Mental Health America celebrates May with a new campaign: Live Your Life Well.  That website provides 10 evidence-based tools to bolster mental health.

The May Is Mental Health Awareness Month Consumer Art Exhibit is currently on display at Madison's Central Library on Mifflin St. (2 blocks from the Capitol). Artwork was created by members of Cornucopia, Inc. and residents of Mendota Mental Health Institute. Closing reception is Sat., May 30th, from 12:00-2:00 pm on the 2nd floor of the library.

WUMH May is Mental Health Month Newsletter


martini glassMonthly Feature April 2009 - Alcohol Awareness Month
Alcohol abuse is prevalent within many demographic groups in the United States. In general, more men than women are alcohol dependent or have alcohol problems. And alcohol problems are highest among young adults ages 18-29 and lowest among adults ages 65 and older.
WUMH Resources

Substance Abuse and Addiction Disorders

Substance Abuse in Children and Adolescence

External Resources

A Proclamation from the Governor of Wisconsin, Jim Doyle. Governor’s Proclamation (PDF, 353KB)

Information on decreasing alcohol use and abuse in youth can be found at the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information.

Heavy drinking can make some health problems worse.  Read more from the National Institute on Aging: Get the Facts about Aging and Alcohol

Mood Disorders Predict Later Substance Abuse Problems: Mania symptoms and bipolar disorder II more likely to lead to substance abuse than depression


guitarMonthly Feature March 2009 - Educating and healing through arts

Many people find that expressing themselves through art, whether it be music, painting, or poetry, can help healing, coping, and recovery. Some find that using art can be a valuable teaching tool, for both performer and observer.

Encore Studios, a Madison-based professional threatre troupe, is one of a few companies in the country for people with a disability.  They recently performed Lost Track, a play about a woman with Bipolar Disorder, in Madison.  You can catch a glimpse of the performance on YouTube.

Krylyn, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arizona, is also a singer/songwriter.  She strives to teach others of the therapeutic power of music. 


MONTHLY FEATURE January 2009

The economic recession and increasing unemployment rate could result in an increase in mental health issues for many Americans. Now more than ever maintaining your mental health is important.  Job loss often results in emotional upheaval, which if not dealt with, can lead to depression (read more: Emotional Recovery From Job Loss, Discovery Health; Implications for Helping Unemployed Workers Recover), American Psychological Association).

People already dealing with any illness are at risk of neglecting their health when economic times are tough. Financial difficulties, job loss, and/or the loss of medical coverage may lead a person to skip doctor’s visits and delay obtaining a refill for a prescription (read more: Health Costs Force Choices, The News & Observer).


MONTHLY FEATURE November 2008
November is ... Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and Family Caregivers Month

Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease affects approximately four million Americans. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) most often begin after age 65. Approximately 10 percent of those over age 65 and almost 50 percent of adults over age 80 have AD. Those suffering from AD often live 20 years after symptoms begin to appear. Cognitive symptoms include memory loss, confusion, and difficulty in communicating (speaking, reading, writing, and understanding). Behavioral and personality changes include aggressiveness, wandering, agitation, depression, and psychosis.

Caregiving
Caregivers assist in the care of someone who is dealing with a mental or physical illness, a developmental disability, or anyone who has difficulty managing daily tasks. Caregivers often need support and assistance and their needs are sometimes overlooked. Stress management and awareness of the possibility of depression are important in maintaining the mental and physical help of people looking after others.

MONTHLY FEATURE October 2008Mental Illness Awareness Week

Take a look at our calendar to learn about some of the events occurring in October throughout Wisconsin.

October 5-12, 2008
Established by Congress 18 years ago, MIAW is observed nationwide with outreach and educational programs aimed to promote early detection and accurate diagnosis of mental illnesses, and reduce the associated stigma and discrimination experienced by those with mental illnesses. During this week long event, family members and consumers will share their personal experiences, providing firsthand looks at how mental illnesses affect neighbors, family and friends.

Building Community, Taking Action -  MIAW 2008 centers on the theme “Building Communities, Taking Action” to emphasize that real recovery from mental illness requires community action, understanding, and teamwork.

Learn more about ...

NAMI Wisconsin Mental Illness Awareness Week Events

Wisconsin United for Mental Health MIAW Press Kit


Bipolar Disorder Awareness DayBipolar Disorder Awareness Day
October 9, 2008

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But there is good news: bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.


Bipolar Disorder Exacts Twice Depression’s Toll in Workplace:
Productivity Lags Even After Mood Lifts (NIMH Press Release)

Learn more about Bipolar Disorder


National Depression Screening Day
October 10, 2008

Free Screening InformationLieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton, Honorary Co-Chair of Wisconsin United for Mental Health, is again urging Wisconsinites to participate in a free, private, online mental health screening.  Last year over 700,000 people took the screening from her Web site (www.ltgov.wisconsin.gov).  Simply click on the "Mental Health" tab and follow the link.


MONTHLY FEATURE September 2008 - Recovery Month

This is the 19th Annual Recovery Month and this year's theme is "Join the Voices for Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery." The initiative draws attention to the importance of treatment and recovery, and the positive effect that a united community can have on those suffering from substance use disorders. A major goal of Recovery Month is to increase public awareness that substance abuse is a treatable disease and that recovery is possible.

Recovery Month takes placed every September and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT).

Events during the month are scheduled in Milwaukee, Madison, Wisconsin Rapids, Rhinelander, Green Bay, and Wausau. http://www.recoverymonth.gov/2008/events/eventlist.aspx?ID=55


MONTHLY FEATURE July 2008 - Coping with Natural Disasters

 Flooding in the Midwest
Earthquakes in China
Fires in the West

Natural disasters happen everyday, although some touch us more than others.  Whether your home has been destroyed or you are watching the television news with dismay from the safety of your home, natural disaster can affect us all.  The following are some resources that can help you cope if you think someone you know is suffering from anxiety that is beyond what you consider normal.

Mental Health Resources for Coping with Disasters - American Psychiatric Association: Healthy Minds

Resources for people with Disabilities - Wisconsin Disability Navigators Program

Coping with Disaster - FEMA

MONTHLY FEATURE May 2008 - May is Mental Health Month

For more than fifty years, our country has celebrated Mental Health Month to raise awareness about mental illnesses and the importance of mental wellness for all.
 
Mental Health Month (May 1 – 30)
  • Get Connected - Learn how social support can help create good mental health and reduce stress; 2008 Theme for Mental Health Month from Mental Health America
  • National Mental Health Information Center - numerous online brochure and information about Mental Health Month, children's mental health and Anxiety Disorders
  • Be sure to check our Calendar of Events to find out about what's going on across Wisconsin

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

National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day (May 7)


National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day (May 8)
  • The goal of Awareness Day is to promote positive youth development, resilience, recovery, and the transformation of mental health services delivery for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families.
  • The 2008 theme: Thriving in the Community, with a special emphasis on high school youth who receive the services they need are more likely to have positive outcomes such as better grades and higher rates of education and less likely to have negative outcomes such as involvement with the juvenile and criminal justice systems.
  • Official Web site from SAMHSA


MONTHLY FEATURE March 2008 - The Brain

Brain graphicThe brain is the organ that controls feelings, behaviors, and thoughts, and changes in the brain’s activity result in long- or short-term changes to these. Mental illnesses such as depression are diseases of the brain.  - National Institute of Health

Mental Illnesses are diseases of the brain.  The brain is an incredibly complex organ that controls everything we do.  Learning about the brain and what can go wrong within it can help us understand how mental illnesses are real and treatable.  The following resources can help you learn more.

Brain Research
Brain Chemistry Ties Anxiety and Alcoholism
PET's Targeted Imaging May Lead To Earlier Diagnosis Of Dementia And Alzheimer's Disease
Children Of Alcoholics: Different Brain Regions Effect Who May Or May Not Develop Alcohol Problems
Adolescents At Risk Of Developing A Substance-use Disorder Have Deficits In Frontal Brain Activation

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
Brain Injury Association of America
Traumatic Brain Injury - basic information and resources for additional information from the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill
Traumatic Brain Injury: Cognitive and Communication Disorders - National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

More about the Brain
The Dana Foundation - a private philanthropic foundation with principal interests in brain science, immunology, and arts education.
    Brain Awareness Week  (March 10-16)
    Sleep Disorders (March 3-9 is Sleep Awareness Week)