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✋July kicks off Minority Mental Health Awareness month! Did you know... "Approximately 23% of all adults in the U.S. have a mental illness (Reinert et al., 2022) .Those who identify as being two or more races (25%) are most likely to report any mental illness within the past year than any other race/ethnic group (MHA, n.d.)." The article below offers some resources specifically for those who identify within a minority group! 👇 Biggest takeaways for anyone and everyone is that you are not alone and your health MATTERS! Having a community of people that are there to listen and help guide you is a vital piece of the puzzle! 🧩 📣Please share this out with your network and anyone else who could benefit from this information! #Nationalminoritymentalhealthawarenessmonth #Wellbeing #Healthiswealth

What are the Mental Health Issues in Women? Mental health issues are increasingly being recognized as a major concern for both men and women. However, there are unique challenges women face in terms of mental health that deserve awareness and acknowledgment. Women are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders, to name a few. ShiftYourMindset, DaringGreatly, and SelfCareMatters are helpful resources for women hoping to take charge of their mental health. Additionally, organizations like mensmentalhealth, mentalhealthmatters, and hbhm have been making strides in creating a meaningful dialogue about mental health and offer invaluable support for those struggling with mental illness. Unfortunately, poverty, homelessness, and other life circumstances can compound mental health issues, so initiatives like notforprofit canada's povertyallevation and health, healthybodyhealthymind are essential in providing resources, support, and education so that everyone can have access to mental health care. HBHM | Healthy Body, Healthy Mind is a Registered Canadian Charity, striving for poverty eradication and healthy housing alternatives to fight against mental health and homelessness. Read more about this on https://lnkd.in/eEX2t-sx #mentalhealthmatters #homelessness #canada #hbhm #mentalhealth #povertyallevation #notforprofit @Anam @Zulfiqar @iobaidu5 @Kawsarhossain @Atiftahir @Nimrakhan @Lutf-ur-Rahim @Tahir @mazchoudhry

What are the links between social stigma and mental health among marginalised populations? 🧠 A new article in Nature presents an integrated approach to understanding the association between stigma and mental health shared across multiple stigmatised populations. The approach allows researchers to understand how mechanisms linking stigma to mental health are experienced by individuals at the intersection of multiple stigmatised statuses.

MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH (JULY). Mental health is the foundation for our overall health and quality of life, impacting the well-being of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It also influences how we handle stress and emotions, make choices, cope with challenges, make decisions relate to others, and find purpose and meaning. Good mental health allows one to manage difficulties, enjoy life, have healthy relationships, pursue goals and dreams, and feel content and fulfilled. Regardless of socioeconomic status, anyone can experience mental health problems at any stage of life. However, some minority groups are at a higher risk of mental health issues, including: # Substance users # Homeless people # Prisoners # People with disabilities # Refugees # Older adults # People who are divorced, widowed, separated, single # People who are unemployed or have low socioeconomic status # People who are socially isolated or lack social support # People who identify as LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, asexual, non-binary) # Children # Pregnant women and nursing mothers Given that at least 90% of the world's population belongs to at least one of these groups, it's clear that everyone is vulnerable to mental health problems. July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, and I invite you to join me this month as we discuss mental health issues in vulnerable groups. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness. Ijidakinro Hannah ( MyladyHannah)

A timely reminder for AAPI and Mental Health Awareness months: Nearly one year ago today, Rep. Judy Chu introduced the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act to require the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to undertake various activities to address mental and behavioral health issues among the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations. As the bill summary said, “Specifically, SAMHSA must develop and implement an outreach and education strategy to promote behavioral and mental health and reduce stigma associated with mental health conditions and substance abuse among AANHPI populations.” And yet, the need for education and stigma continues. It’s just one of many administrative initiatives needed to support this community. I hope you’ll join me in support by flagging your support to your congressional representative.   https://lnkd.in/gRA7WkyP #AAPI #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #StopMentalHealthStigma #SAMHSA #CongressionalSupport

Suicide Prevention #Suicideprevention is a multifaceted effort to reduce the tragic loss of lives to #suicide, a global public health concern. It encompasses various strategies and initiatives that address the underlying factors leading to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Tex 116-123 Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about the signs of suicide and promoting mental health education are crucial first steps. Training teachers, healthcare professionals, and the general public to recognize warning signs and risk factors can save lives. Accessible Resources: Providing easily accessible resources such as suicide hotlines, crisis text lines, and online support forums is essential. These services offer immediate help to individuals in distress, allowing them to talk through their feelings and seek assistance. #MentalHealth Services: Ensuring access to quality mental health services is paramount. This includes therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care. Reducing barriers like stigma and cost can encourage more people to seek help. Community Engagement: Building supportive communities is a cornerstone of suicide prevention. Communities that foster inclusivity, empathy, and open communication can reduce isolation and provide a safety net for those at risk. High-Risk Groups: Tailoring interventions for high-risk groups, such as #veterans, #LGBTQ+ individuals, and #adolescents, is vital. Understanding the unique challenges they face can help implement targeted prevention strategies. Screening and Assessment: Implementing routine mental health screenings in #schools, #workplaces, and #healthcare settings can identify individuals at risk early on, allowing for timely intervention. Means Restriction: Restricting access to lethal means, like firearms and medications, can prevent impulsive suicides. Safe storage practices and responsible prescribing by healthcare providers play critical roles here. Postvention: After a suicide, postvention strategies are essential to support bereaved individuals and communities. Offering counseling and resources to those affected can prevent a ripple effect of suicides. Research and Data: Ongoing research into the causes and risk factors of suicide is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. Data collection and analysis can help identify trends and areas of concern. Stigma Reduction: Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues is fundamental. In conclusion, suicide prevention is a complex and ongoing effort that requires a comprehensive approach at the individual, community, and societal levels. By combining awareness, access to resources, support, and compassionate understanding, we can save lives and work towards a world where everyone has the help they need to overcome their darkest moments. #loveconstruction

It's World Mental Health Day, with this year's theme being "Mental health is a universal human right.” Everyone has the right to access quality mental health care and social support, autonomy, community, and more. Yet, due to the lack of resources and the stigma around mental health issues, this right continues to be infringed on. Instead of calling 911, use community-based alternatives, like 988 or the Community Crisis Center (406-259-8800), which provides services and crisis teams for mental health issues. The Community Crisis Center is your first point of access for crisis stabilization and referral for ongoing support. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale based on income, or through insurance. They do not deny anyone services due to the inability to pay. #worldmentalhealthday #community #resources #crisiscenter #billingsstrong #yellowstonecounty

Embracing Mental Health Awareness in the South Asian Community In honor of Mental Health Awareness Week,  I feel it was crucial to highlight the significance of mental well-being and the ongoing efforts to dismantle the stigma surrounding it, particularly within the South Asian community. Last weekend 11th May 2024,  I had the privilege of being invited to talk to over a 100 South Asian individuals on this very topic. As a Mental Health Ambassador trained by the South Asian Health Action Charity in Leicester, and equipped with qualifications in mental health first aid and workplace advocacy in my professional capacity, I shared insights and experiences aimed at fostering a culture of openness and support. The response was overwhelming. Witnessing individuals step forward with newfound confidence to seek assistance was both heartening and affirming. It underscored the importance of creating spaces where conversations about mental health are not only welcomed but encouraged. During the talk, I emphasised the availability of resources, including their local charities like The Bridges East Midlands, dedicated to providing support in areas ranging from homelessness prevention to mental health support with their Talk Therapies. It was inspiring to see attendees eager to learn more about these initiatives and as always, I emphasied that we always welcome volunteers or ambassadors to which there was expression of interest in . One key takeaway from our discussion is the universal nature of mental health challenges. Whether it’s a fleeting moment of unease or a more profound struggle requiring professional intervention, no one is immune. This, it’s paramount that individuals feel empowered to speak up and seek help when needed. As Mental Health Awareness Week draws to a close, let’s extend a helping hand to those around us who may be grappling with unseen battles. By fostering an environment of understanding and empathy, we can collectively work towards a future where mental health is prioritized and stigma is a thing of the past. #thebridgeeastmidlands #mentalhealth https://lnkd.in/e7xJQ-Tv

This International Men’s Day we’re reflecting on the fact that men aged 40-59 are the highest risk group for suicide based on age and gender demographics. Despite this, many men are unlikely to seek support or speak to others about their experiences or emotions.That’s why Shout’s partnerships are key in helping us reach a vulnerable population of middle-aged men with crisis support. We work with a diverse range of organisations who work with male audiences to extend the reach of our free, 24/7 mental health text support service and to help men start a conversation about their mental health. Our partners include Harry's, Inc., The Burnt Chef Project, Newcastle United Foundation, Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity and Tough Enough To Care. Our data tells us that 86% of men find their conversation with Shout helpful and 67% feel calmer afterwards. To discuss a partnership with Mental Health Innovations to provide a male audience with 24/7 mental health support, contact commissionus@mhiuk.org.