Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives  
August 2014


 

On August 11th, as my family and I were settling into a cozy cabin in the verdant woods near lake Winnepesaukee in New Hampshire, we were heartbroken to watch CNN break the news about Robin Williams's death.

 

Ironically, just the day before, family, friends and strangers had gathered at the MainStreet BookEnds in Warner, NH, for a book reading and discussion of my memoir, Shadows in the Sun: Healing from Depression and Finding the Light Within. Together, we had discussed the debilitating impact of depression and suicide. And, together, we had vowed that it was time to break the silence about mental illness and start the conversation about mental health in our homes and communities around the world.    

 

In the days to come, I was deeply saddened about Robin Williams's suicide, yet determined to continue to shed light on the devastating impact of depression in our lives. And, more importantly on the difficult road to recovery. 

According to the World Health Organization:
  • Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, more than 350 million people of all ages suffer from depression.
  • Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the global burden of disease.
  • More women are affected by depression than men.
  • At its worst, depression can lead to suicide.
  • There are effective treatments for depression.
Unfortunately, ignorance about mental health issues, stigma, a lack of affordable and accessible treatment, deter people from seeking life-saving treatment and support. If you or your loved one is struggling with depression or other mental health issues, please educate yourself about depression and get help.

 

And, here is the link to a FREE webinar Healing from Depression: 8 Keys to Recover and Thrive. 

 

Wishing you wellness, 

   

Gayathri Ramprasad, MBA, CPS
Founder & President, ASHA International
Gayathri Signature
Stigma of Mental Illness Radio

On July 31st, I had the pleasure of doing a radio interview with Crissie Hodges on her Stigma of Mental Illness Radio Show. Chrissie is an award winning Public Speaker who specializes in the anxiety disorder Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. As an OCD sufferer and advocate for informing and educating the public on disorders of the mind, Chrissie seeks to spread awareness on behalf of the growing population of individuals suffering in silence with depression and mental illness. I sincerely applaud Chrissie's herculean efforts to tear down the insidious walls of stigma, shame and secrecy surrounding mental illness, and starting the conversation about mental health.

To listen to my interview with Chrissie, please  click here...  

 

JD Schramm: Break the silence for suicide survivors
JD Schramm:
Break the silence for suicide survivors

SHADOWS IN THE SUN: 
HEALING FROM DEPRESSION AND FINDING THE LIGHT WITHIN
by Gayathri Ramprasad
    

 

"This is not just a book for advocates of global mental health; it is a book for anyone who cares about human suffering and justice, and should serve as a call to arms for them to join the movement to achieve a better life for those living with mental illness today."

 

Vikram Patel

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; the Public Health Foundation of India; and Sangath 

Shadows in the Sun is now available at
Hazelden,Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, Powell's Books and other major bookstores in print and e-books.
 To learn more about the book, read an excerpt, and reviews, please  click here...   

Dear friends,
Please join ASHA International and Project Hope Exchange, and share your 30-second message of hope. Give Hope. Give Life. Learn more...

 
In This Issue
Stigma of Mental Illness Radio
Break the silence for suicide survivors
SHADOWS IN THE SUN
Project Hope Exchange
Real People, Real Recovery
Upcoming Events
About Us
Real People, Real Recovery
Profiles of Courage, Hope & Resilience

Kevin's Story

Kevin Hines has reached millions as he travels globally teaching other's the importance of prevention of suicide and mental health awareness. He presents on anti-bullying campaigns, wellness in the workplace, drug and alcohol prevention and more.

 

After his suicide attempt by jumping off of the Golden Gate Bridge, Hines has become one of the most sought after speakers of these subjects In the US. Kevin continues his fight for wellness and dedicated his life to working for mental health equality, awareness, and education. Read more...  

Upcoming Events:  

September 15, 2014
Keynote & Book Signing by Gayathri Ramprasad
White Plains Youth Bureau, White Plains, NY
To learn more and Register, please click here...

October 3, 2014
Random House India will publish Shadows in the Sun: Healing from Depression and Finding the Light Within by Gayathri Ramprasad

October 8, 2014

Grit & Grace: The Science & Art of Personal Transformation 

Wellness Workshop & Book Signing by Gayathri Ramprasad

Location:  University of Minnesota, McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

 

October 29, 2014

Keynote & Book Signing by Gayathri Ramprasad

Sheppard Pratt Health System - Baltimore, MD

 

November 3, 2014  

Grit & Grace: The Science & Art of Personal Transformation 

Wellness Workshop & Book Signing by Gayathri Ramprasad

Location:  Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, 221 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60601

 

December 6, 2014

Grit & Grace: The Science & Art of Personal Transformation 

Wellness Workshop & Book Signing by Gayathri Ramprasad

Location:  Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

 
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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