World Mental Health Day

Thanks to First Lady, Rosalynn Carter, the Carter Center has taken a very strong stance to advocate for the mental health issues too long ignored in the Unites States. Their website has a full discussion going about the subject. Here you will see a couple of comments. (http://blog.cartercenter.org/2013/10/07/join-our-conversation-on-world-mental-health-day-oct-10-2013/)

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1. 1
   World Mental Health Day Blog Party, October 10, 2013 | World Mental Health Day on October 9, 2013 at 4:08 pm

   […] Join Our Conversation on World Mental Health Day, Oct. 10, 2013 The Carter Center’s Mental Health Program […]
2. 2
   Gabriel Lungu on October 10, 2013 at 9:00 am

   Indeed there is need to fight stigma and discrimination against the mentally ill but this hasn’t been easy. Am a psychiatric nurse and i have dedicated time interest in making the community be aware of mental health/illness issues. They problem I have noticed is that there is little or no government support in mental health sector. Also the limited Media access and coverage on mental health issues. In addition to that NGO have channelled their interest and investiment in other general health matter neglecting mental health which is even more disabling. I believe media coverage and adequate resource allocation can help.

3

Barbara on October 10, 2013 at 9:34 am

I believe that my community could help reduce myths and misperceptions about mental illness by following the lead of the Carter Center. The Center has made a place for sharing information and real knowledge about mental health giving it value – lifting it up for appreciation as a part of human existence not to be shunted. I am not sure that communities don’t address mental health as much as they do not know HOW to address it in the public forum. These conversations and activities at the Carter Center can act as models for communities with far more limited resources. I am grateful for the leadership and advocacy the Center has demonstrated.

The Center for Disease Control is also working to promote awareness among more American citizens. Some of the current research is looking at the affects of toxic stress on children. They suggest the following list for public awareness: 

• present research to professional and lay audiences
• invite experts to give keynote addresses to groups or provide training
• work with local journalists and reporters to highlight issues in their news stories
• use the research data in public leadership proclamations to prevent maltreatment of children
• get colleges and universities to incorporate research on these issues in their academic work (http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/pdf/childhood_stress.pdf).

One university that is training their faculty, staff, and students about these issues is Rutgers University. Their program is called the Campus Connect Gatekeeper Training. Though it is mandatory for all Residence Life staff, it is also recommended for student leaders. This training urges their community to not assume someone in trouble will seek help; instead  it encourages participants to be confident about starting a conversation with whomever says anything about suicide.  This program also openly promotes available resources.(http://news.rutgers.edu/feature/suicide-prevention-program-takes-community-approach-public-health-problem/20130924#.Ulb9QFCkosY).

This weblink is about the use of singing as a way to help individuals with mental health concerns. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=XDrmH0uM5xM

(my new granddaughter singing)