Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives
May 2014
ASHA International Issue No.
ASHA International Issue No.
ASHA International Issue No.


Happy Children's Mental Health Awareness Day!  

 
As parents, we care deeply about our child's well being, and make sure we take them to their annual physical exam. However, the emotional well being of a child is often not monitored and addressed with the same vigor as their physical well being. Unfortunately, it takes a crisis to call our attention to the mental and emotional turmoil of our children. And, sometimes, it is too late.  

 

According to the World Health Organization, 20% of the world's children and adolescents have mental disorders across all cultures. About half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14. Neuropsychiatric disorders are among the leading causes of worldwide disability in young people. And, when left untreated, they lead to school failure, family conflicts, substance abuse, violence, juvenile and criminal justice involvement and suicide. In the U.S., suicide is the third leading cause of death in youth ages 15 to 24. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease combined. Over 90 percent of children and adolescents who commit suicide have a mental disorder.

 

Fortunately, early intervention and comprehensive treatment works!  

 

As a mother and mental health advocate, my heart breaks every time I hear a parent say "if only I had sought help sooner, perhaps my child would still be alive." As parents, it is critical we educate ourselves about the early signs and symptoms of mental illness, and seek help.  

 

In this issue, I share 12 Questions Every Parent Should Ask About Their Child's Mental Health. Please share it with your family and friends, and get help if your child needs it. You can save your child's life! 

 

Wishing you wellness, 

   

Gayathri Ramprasad, MBA, CPS
Founder & President, ASHA International
Gayathri Signature
Your Child's Mental Health: 
12 Questions Every Parent Should Ask
 
Does my child...
  1. Often seem sad, tired, restless, or out of sorts?
  2. Spend a lot of time alone?
  3. Have low self-esteem?
  4. Have trouble getting along with family, friends, and peers?
  5. Have frequent outbursts of shouting, complaining, or crying?
  6. Have trouble performing or behaving in school?
  7. Show sudden changes in eating patterns?
  8. Sleep too much or not enough?
  9. Have trouble paying attention or concentrating on tasks like homework?
  10. Seem to have lost interest in hobbies like music or sports?
  11. Show signs of using drugs and/or alcohol?
  12. Talk about death or suicide?

If you answered yest to four or more of these questions, and these behaviors last longer than 2 weeks, you should seek professional help for your child.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Mental Health Services, USA.

SHADOWS IN THE SUN
HEALING FROM DEPRESSION AND FINDING THE LIGHT WITHIN
by Gayathri Ramprasad
 
 
Everyone who struggles with a mental illness, or who knows anyone with depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness, must read this engrossing true story of courage in the face of heartbreaking adversity."

- Dilip V. Jeste, M.D.  

President, American Psychiatric Association

 
Shadows in the Sun is now available at Hazelden, Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, Powell's Books and other major bookstores in print and e-books.

Proceeds from the sale of the books will benefit ASHA International's programs and services.

 

To learn more about the book, read an excerpt, and reviews, please  click here...   

Shadows in the Sun by Gayathri Ramprasad - Book Trailer
Shadows in the Sun by Gayathri Ramprasad - Book Trailer
In This Issue
12 Questions Every Parent Should Ask
SHADOWS IN THE SUN
Real People, Real Recovery
Upcoming Events
About Us
Real People, Real Recovery
Profiles of Courage, Hope & Resilience 

Anisha's Story
Stories of Hope and Recovery: Christian 
 
Upcoming Events: 

May 16 - 17, 2014: Mind Body Symposium: Healing Hearts, Minds & Bodies

Location: First Unitarian Church of Portland
Presented by: Rethinking Psychiatry & The Chitari Foundation

May 17, 2014, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Keynote & Book Signing

Location: Training Summit, Santa Cruz, CA
Presented by:Inspire USA Foundation

May 23, 2014, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Wellness Workshop & Book Signing

Location: The DoubleTree Hotel, Portland, OR
Presented by: Cedar Hills Hospital

June 5, 2014, 7:00 PM
Book Reading, Q & A & Book Signing

Location:  Queen Anne Book Co., Seattle, WA
 

To view the complete events calendar, please click here... 

 
 
About Us:
ASHA International's mission is to promote personal, organizational, and community wellness through culturally-responsive mental health education, training, and support.

GET INVOLVED.
You can make a difference!

 
PLEASE NOTE:

Gayathri Ramprasad, MBA, CPS, is not a doctor, therapist or health care professional. She is a mental health advocate and Certified Peer Specialist (CPS). The information shared in this E-mail is for general information purposes only and therefore not intended to replace the medical advice afforded by physicians or other healthcare professionals.   

Dear friends, 
 
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