Education and Outreach
Understanding your mental health and learning about where you are in your mental health is essential in ensuring you stay mentally healthy. One of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition is to take an anonymous screen. MHA has online screening tools for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol and substance use, early psychosis, work health, as well as screenings that are youth-focused and parent-focused.
Since we established May as Mental Health Month in 1949, MHA and our affiliates across the country have led the observance of Mental Health Month by reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. We welcome other organizations to join us in spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care about by using the May is Mental Health Month toolkit materials and conducting awareness activities.
MHA understands that mental health issues may need to be addressed with a unique lens when working with individuals and families with diverse values, beliefs, and sexual orientations, in addition to backgrounds that vary by race, ethnicity, religion, and language. That's why we've put together information to help various communities and promote awareness through public education campaigns each July.
The Back to School Toolkit - developed each year and released in mid-August in anticipation of the start of the new school year - provides free resources, tools, tips, and information for parents, teachers, and youth on early identification themes and Before Stage 4 messaging
Mental health issues are on the rise on college campuses across the country. In response, MHA created Life on Campus. Life on Campus is a year-round program MHA actively promotes in the fall and spring semesters as an education effort with web-based information for college-aged youth.
MHA recognizes the psychological impact that workplaces can have on their employees. Millions of employees spend a large part of their day, and lifetime, at work, increasing the effect that workplace environments can have on psychological well-being. MHA’s research is part of an ongoing commitment to uncovering workplace disparities and addressing the psychological needs of the workforce.
MHA is excited to introduce the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, an accreditation that recognizes and honors employers whose efforts demonstrably improve mental health for its employees, families, and communities. An employer who is accredited with the Bell Seal signals to present and future employees that the organization values a mentally healthy and highly productive company culture. Because all workplaces are different, an employer can aspire to receive recognition at four levels – bronze, silver, gold, and platinum.
Mental Health America is changing the way that the media talks about mental health. Mental health conditions affect one in five adults in the United States every year, and there should be more emphasis on early intervention to ensure that they can enjoy the highest quality of life possible. One of our main priorities is to encourage conversations about mental health and foster an environment free from stigma and discrimination. MHA proactively works to provide comprehensive, accurate information about mental health by cultivating media relationships and working to share mental health news via traditional and new media channels.
Each year, MHA's Annual Conference brings together affiliates, consumers, providers, family members and advocates from across the country to talk about important and emerging mental health issues. The 2019 Mental Health America Annual Conference, taking place in Washington, DC from June 13-15, 2019, is themed Dueling Diagnoses: Mental Health and Chronic Conditions in Children and Adults.
With your help we can change the way mental health is addressed. Before Stage 4.