WISCONSIN UNITED
for MENTAL HEALTH

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

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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

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Monthly 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

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Monthly 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. 

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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).

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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.

• Alzheimer's Association

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.

• National Family Caregivers Association
• Wisconsin Alliance for Family Caregiving  
• National Family Caregiver Support Program Resource Room - many resources for caregivers, professionals and family; U.S. Administration on Aging
  

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MONTHLY FEATURE October 2008

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 ...

• Recovery
• Mental health Parity
• Stigma, its effects, and how you can help fight it
  

NAMI Wisconsin Mental Illness Awareness Week Events

Wisconsin United for Mental Health MIAW Press Kit

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Bipolar 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

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National Depression Screening Day
October 10, 2008

Lieutenant 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.

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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

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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

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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)

• Childhood and Adolescence (internal WUMH Web site section)
• Children's Mental Health Awareness Week Web site sponsored by the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health

National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day (May 7)

• Anxiety Disorders (internal WUMH Web site section)
• Free screenings available from Freedom from Fear
  

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

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MONTHLY FEATURE March 2008 - The Brain

The 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)