MAY is MENTAL HEALTH MONTH: “B4Stage4;”

“MAY is Mental Health MONTH”
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may TOOK KIT:

Every month Mental Health America chooses a theme. This year the theme is “B4stage4.” Mental Health concerns are no different from any other physical condition/health concerns. They should be thought about and treated the same way-long before they reach Stage 4.

For too long mental health has not been framed this way. Instead too many people have been trapped in stage 4 thinking about them. They wait until-after a crisis-until someone is a “danger” for themselves or others. THIS IS WRONG! We do not do this for cancer, heart disease, or diabetes. We shouldn’t do this for Mental Health concerns, either.

So this may we care asking all to help us turn the attention of our nation upstream-before mental health concerns become mental health crises. That’s really what acting B4stage4 is all about. In our May mental health took kit we’re offering a range of materials, strategies, and resources to bring healthy B4stage4 thinking to life. It’s all a part of keeping the focus of the month on mental health-a time we dedicate ourselves to protecting our health, to preserving our mental health, and to preventing bad and sometimes tragic outcomes from ever happening again.

The 2015 May is Mental health month took kit is designed for MHA affiliates, advocates, and organizations, and you of all types to raise awareness of the importance of addressing mental health.

Many of you are likely on your way to planning for mental Health Month, If not here are some ideas to help you.

-Ask your governor or mayor to declare May as Mental Health Month, using the sample proclamation that is part of the tool kit.

-Contact your local heart, diabetes, cancer, or ling association to partner and share messages about mental health and the importance of treating it like any other health condition. Offer to host a work shop or etc.

-Organize a community run or walk for mental health. Reach out to your local media for assistance in promoting the event.

Send a viral email to all your family members, and friends, and local officials inviting them to participate.

-TEAM up with your local school district to promote children’s mental health during National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (Thursday May 7th.)

– Post to your organization’s social media networks, Face Book, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin, etc. to raise awareness of May as Mental Health Month. Make sure to use the May is mental health Month hashtags: #mhmonth2015 or B4Stage4.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU GOT PLANNED

Tell us about your events so we can post them on MHA’s Web Calendar, and help you get the word out. Contact Antionette Means at ameans@mentalhealthamerica.net with the following information:

-Name of Event
-Date
-Location
-Brief Description
-Registration/Sign-Up instructions
-Contact Person…..

Brochures are available through the Mental Health America store to supplement the information provided in the 2015 B4Stage4-May Mental Health Month Tool Kit!

Many people do not seek treatment in the early stages of mental illness because they do not recognize the symptoms.

Up to 84% of the time between the first signs of mental illness and first treatment is spent not recognizing the symptoms.
Mental Health America’s screening tools can help. Taken “on line” @ http://www.mhascreening.org

A screening is anonymous, free and a private way to learn about your mental health and see if you are showing warning signs of a mental illness. A screening only takes a few minutes, and after you are finished you will be given information about the next steps you should take based on the results. A screening is not a diagnosis, but it can be a helpful tool for starting a conversation with your doctor or a loved one about your “Mental Health.”

MENTAL HEALTH MONTH 2015 “B4Stage4”

-WHEREAS, mental health is essential to everyone’s overall mental health and well-being, and

-WHEREAS, all Americans experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives; and

-WHEREAS, prevention is an effective way to reduce the burden of mental health conditions; and

-WHEREAS, there is a strong body of research that supports specific tools that all Americans can use to better handle challenges, and protect their health and well-being ; and

-WHEREAS, mental health conditions are real and prevalent in our nation; and

-WHEREAS, each business, school, government agency, health care provider, organization, and citizen shares the burden of mental health problems and has a responsibility to promote mental wellness and support “prevention efforts.”
MORE ideas and information to promote Mental health Month of May:

OUT REACH TOOL KIT @ http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may

Jan McAvoy