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May 2013 |
Volume 2, Issue 5 |
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Greetings ! |
Join us as we honor Mental Health Awareness month! This is truly a significant time for the over 57.7 million Americans who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, as well as, their families.
During this month, individuals and various organizations will strive to educate and bring awareness concerning Mental Health. In this month's edition of our newsletter, Brighter, Stronger Foundation will be making its contribution.
Please enjoy and have a positive and productive day! |
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Know the Facts...
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It's true, the National Institute of Mental Health has estimated that 1 in 4 adults experience a mental health disorder in a given year. Chances are you know someone or may have even experienced a mental health illness yourself. Here are more facts:
*The U.S. Surgeeon General reports that 10% of chlidren and adolescents suffer from a serious emotional and mental disorder
*The World Health Organizations reports that 4 out of the 10 leading causes of disability in the U.S and other developing countries is mental disorders
*Mental Illnesss can strike an individual at any age, but the young and the old are especially vulnerable
*Without treatment the consequences of mental health include: unneccessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, incarceration, and suicide
*Early detection and treatment (effective medication and a wide range of therapeutic services) is key for most individuals with a mental illness to be able to have lives filled with achievement and independence
For more facts click this link:
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Now that you know, what can you do?
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Mental illnesses are defined as a medical condition that effects a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functions. In other words, it is a condition that can impact an individual's ability to handle the demands of everyday life. Below are some tips for those who have concerns or suspicions regarding the mental health of themselves or others:
*Keep track of your symptoms- if you detect a mental health imbalance, track the frequency, severity, and duration until you can schedule an appointment with a counselor or health care professional.
*Visit your health provider- talk about any symptoms, such as, anxiety, fatigue, mood swings, irritability, sadness, suicidal or violent thoughts, thoughts of death, appetite or weight changes, and any other signs that are concerning.
*Ask for a mental health evaluation- There are tests available to detect conditions, such as, Depression and Bi-Polar Disorder. Health care professionals can also identify personality and mood disorders, substance abuse, and other conditions by conducting evaluations at initial visits.
We hope that you found these tips to be helpful. It can be scary facing the possiblity that you or a loved one may have a mental health illness. However; do not allow that to hinder you from being informed and getting the help that you need TODAY!.
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Brighter, Stronger Foundation's Adult Day Program Update!! | |
All adults in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program are invited to our
Day Program!
The dates for the month of May are:
Tuesday, May 7th from 10am-12:30pm
Tuesday, May 14th from 10am-12:30[m
Tuesday, May 21st from 10am-12:30pm
Tuesday, May 28th from 10am-12:30pm
To register for these days and to make transportation arrangements, please call us at 410-485-7555
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Therapeutic Youth Groups Updates! | |
Therapeutic groups allow for an opportunity for our youth to get together to discuss issues and concerns that they are challenged by.
With that being said, we highly encourage parents/guardians to have their youth attend these monthly groups.
Please make note of the following dates and times:
* 4-11 Year Olds-
Tuesday, May 7th & Thursday, May 9th from 6pm-7pm
Transportation and Meal Provided
* 12-17 Year Olds-
Tuesday, May 21st & Thursday, May 23rd from 6pm-7pm
Transportation and Meal Provided
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BSF's Calendar of Events! | |
*May 3rd @ 10am- FREE Entitlement Workshop @ BSF- Please call to RSVP
*May 15th @ 1pm- FREE Entitlement Workshop @ BSF- Please call to RSVP
*May 30th @ 11am- "Special Needs Trust & Guardianship" FREE Seminar @ BSF
(Don't forget to RSVP!!!)
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Family Fun Activities!! | | *May 2nd- NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore Family Support Group - For adult relatives of persons with mental illness. Come share wisdom and coping techniques. Call for more information. Govans Boundary United Methodist Church, 5210 York Rd. (near Cold Spring), Baltimore, 7- 8:30 p.m., 410-435-2600, www.namimd.org.
* May 7th- NAMI Basics Education Course - Free 6 week education program for parents or caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illness. Govans Boundary United Methodist Church, 5210 York Rd, Baltimore, 6:30- 9 p.m., Reserv Reqd. 410-435-2600, www.namibaltimore.org.
*May 9th- NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore Family Support Group - For adult relatives of persons with mental illness. Come share wisdom and coping techniques. Call for more information. Govans Boundary United Methodist Church, 5210 York Rd. (near Cold Spring), Baltimore, 7- 8:30 p.m., 410-435-2600, www.namimd.org.
*May 11th- Round-Trip Bus Adventure to the Big Apple - This Big Apple adventure will include a continental breakfast, games and prizes on the ride up and a family movie on the ride home. Once the bus arrives in NYC, individuals are free to spend the day however they choose. Walter and Betty Ward Family Center Y, Abingdon, 7 a.m.- 10 p.m., Ages: All ages, w/ adult, Reserv Reqd. Tickets Reqd. 410-679-9622 www.ymarlyand.org.
**For family outing ideas click the following link Family Fun**
We thank you for your time and please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
Have a positive and productive day!
The Staff of Brighter, Stronger Foundation
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @ BSF_Foundation
Like us on Facebook @ Brighter Stronger Foundation
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