May is Mental Health Month: Celebrating 65 years of mental health

May is Mental Health Month (#mhmonth2014). Mental Health American (MHA) and other mental health organizations have been promoting mental health awareness for 65 years. Approximately 1 in and 5 Americans over the age of 18 will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder in a given year, and nearly half will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime (i.e., depression, anxiety, etc.). Additionally, approximately 70 percent of Americans experience physical and non-physical symptoms of stress but approximately 37 percent believe they are doing well at managing it. This year’s theme is “Mind Your Health” emphasizes the importance of the body/mind connection, and how mental health contributes to overall health and wellness. MHA’s website provides information on how to improve your health:

• Social Support: Getting and Staying Connected
• Healthy Diet: Eating with Mental Health in Mind
• Supplements: Weighing Benefits and Risks
• Stress: Coping with Everyday Problems
• Rest, Relaxation and Exercise
• Alcohol Use and Abuse: What You Should Know
• Finding Help: When to Get it and Where to Go

The NARIC REHABDATA database has approximately 100 documents related to mental health and wellness: http://tinyurl.com/kunmqsd and 32 documents produced under NIDRR funding: http://tinyurl.com/qa8ow7n. For more information on NIDRR-funded related to mental health and/or psychiatric disabilities please visit http://tinyurl.com/ks28r49.

If you, a friend, or loved one is in crisis or in need of mental health services please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Help Line at 800/662-HELP (4357), 800/487-4889 (TTY); or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800/273-TALK (8255), 800/799-4889 (TTY).