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February 27, 2015                                                     Issue #68

Because there is no health without Mental Health!

                                  JOIN US FOR 

           AN EVENING OF WINE, CHEESE & CHOCOLATE!

                            Reception and Silent Auction

                            Thursday, April 16th, 5:00pm

 

           For more information and to register, click here.

                             We hope to see you there! 
Youth Suicides: 
Many of Georgia's Youngest Residents Suffering

Did you know the 3rd leading cause of death in youth between the ages of 10-24 in Georgia is suicide?

Mental Health America of Georgia's Executive Director, Sarah Schwartz, provides her thoughts on the Jason Flatt Act (House Bill 198). If it becomes law, it will require that all certified public school personnel in Georgia receive annual training in suicide awareness and prevention, and that each Georgia school system adopt a policy on student suicide prevention.

Click here to listen to this short segment which aired on Georgia Public Broadcasting's show On Second Thought!!!
DID YOU KNOW?

The Only Shameful Thing About Mental Illness
 is the Stigma Attached to it 

 

A lack of understanding when it comes to these disorders can leave sufferers feeling isolated and hopeless. Only 25 percent of people with mental health issues feel that people are caring and sympathetic toward their struggles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

There are many people who are fighting against the stigma associated with mental illness -- but sometimes it can be hard to remember that in a world full of bias. That's why we're thankful for the quote above and more inspiring quotes from some of society's most progressive minds.

 

To view these inspiring quotes from presidents to doctors, click here.

Researchers are Working to Determine Who's Most At Risk for Suicide

 

Suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death in the U.S., and more than 1 million people make suicide attempts each year. But research funding lags behind others causes of death. The National Institute of Mental Health says it spends $39 million per year funding suicide research.

 

 

Harvard psychology professor Matt Nock, who runs a lab focused entirely on suicide and self-harm, is the recipient of some of that funding. He and his team recently received a $1 million grant from the AmericanFoundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) - the largest grant given in AFSP's history. With the money, Nock and his team are combining data from their word association tests, individual's medical records and even apps that research participants are using to record real-time information about their suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors.

 

To learn more about the science of suicide, click here.

A Man with OCD and Anxiety 
Shows What It's Like to Be in His Mind for 3 Minutes

 

A man shares a video to give a glimpse of what it's like for him to live with OCD and anxiety. He says, " I made this video to give people a little glimpse into my own galaxy. It's weird and chaotic and beautiful, just like the actual galaxy that our funny little planets whip around in, dodge asteroids in, sustain and thrive in. My hope is that by watching it, others who have OCD won't feel so alone, and they'll learn to love their own beautiful galaxy that rests just above their shoulders."

You Can Help Prevent Bullying 
with the KnowBullying App by SAMHSA

KnowBullying by SAMHSA is a free app that can help parents and caregivers start a conversation with their children about school, work, relationships, life, and bullying.

Download the app: 
http://store.samhsa.gov/apps/bullying/.

Help Prevent Cyberbullying with the KnowBullying App by SAMHSA
Help Prevent Cyberbullying with the KnowBullying App by SAMHSA

YOU CAN NOW SUPPORT MHA OF GEORGIA EVERY TIME YOU SHOP ON AMAZONSMILE

 

AmazonSmile is similar to Amazon.com with the same products, same prices, and same service. However, AmazonSmile donates 0.5% of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. Bookmark the link below and support us every time you shop! Click here to sign up

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

 

MHA of Georgia has many outstanding programs which further our mission of enhancing the mental health of Georgians through education, outreach and advocacy. Click here to learn more about these programs.

 

Your support will help us continue our work educating Georgians about mental illness, working to eliminate stigma and advocating on behalf of people with mental illness in our state. Please click here to support MHA of Georgia.