Journal 2016

www.MHAWeek.orgCommemorative Journal 2016

Mental Health Awareness Week is a presentation of:Association for Mental Health and Wellness939 Johnson AvenueRonkonkoma, NY 11779631-471-7242www.mhaw.orgMichael Stoltz, LCSW, Chief Executive OfficerCynthia Mason, Board PresidentMental Health Association of Nassau County16 Main StreetHempstead, NY 11550516-489-2322www.mhanc.orgEda Franco, Executive DirectorE. Christopher Murray, Board President For a complete schedule of events and activities, go to: www.MHAWeek.org

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK?In recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Week, the Association for MentalHealth and Wellness, in collaboration with the Mental Health Association of NassauCounty, present a week of anti-stigma events representing a broad spectrum of themental health community on Long Island.It’s no secret that stigma is a major barrier for many who need mental healthcare. As aresult, too many people avoid seeking the help they need. The goal for Mental HealthAwareness Week is to promote a broader understanding through a network of Island-wide community dialogues, educational forums, and engaging events. We aim to reachnot only to those impacted by the challenges of mental health distress, trauma, andpsychiatric disability, but all Long Islanders so people can better access the services thatthey, or a loved one, need.Events will include a myriad of activities including displays at local libraries,presentations on legal issues, health fairs and screenings, and a variety of artistic,creative, and wellness-promoting workshops. Please visit www.MHAWeek.org fordetails and a complete schedule of events and activities.This year, we have engaged a myriad of public and private partners to host a record 50-plus activities and events during the week that will help advance the conversation aboutmental health.HistoryMental Health Awareness Week, known previously as Mental Illness Awareness Week,was established in 1990 by the U.S. Congress in recognition of efforts by the NationalAlliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to educate and increase awareness about mentalillness. It takes place every year during the first full week of October.

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In recognition and support of the importance of National Mental Health Awareness Week October 2-8, 2016Roosevelt  Hempstead  Freeport  Westbury  Elmont



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Commends theAssociation for Mental Health and Wellness for all that you do to promote awareness and recovery.





What is Mental Health?MENTAL HEALTH BASICSThe term mental health is commonly used in reference to mental illness. However, knowledge in thefield has progressed to a level that appropriately differentiates the two. Although mental health andmental illness are related, they represent different psychological states.Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can copewith the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contributionto his or her community.” It is estimated that only about 17% of U.S adults are considered to be in astate of optimal mental health. There is emerging evidence that positive mental health is associatedwith improved health outcomes.Mental illness is defined as “collectively all diagnosable mental disorders” or “health conditions that arecharacterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination thereof) associatedwith distress and/or impaired functioning.” Depression is the most common type of mental illness,affecting more than 26% of the U.S. adult population. It has been estimated that by the year 2020,depression will be the second leading cause of disability throughout the world, trailing only ischemicheart disease.Evidence has shown that mental disorders, especially depressive disorders, are strongly related to theoccurrence, successful treatment, and course of many chronic diseases including diabetes, cancer,cardiovascular disease, asthma, and obesity and many risk behaviors for chronic disease; such as,physical inactivity, smoking, excessive drinking, and insufficient sleep.MENTAL HEALTH INDICATORSIn the health care and public health arena, more emphasis and resources have been devoted toscreening, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness than mental health. Little has been done to protectthe mental health of those free of mental illness. Researchers suggest that there are indicators ofmental health, representing three domains. These include the following:  Emotional well-being, such as perceived life satisfaction, happiness, cheerfulness, peacefulness.  Psychological well-being, such as self-acceptance, personal growth including openness to new experiences, optimism, hopefulness, purpose in life, control of one’s environment, spirituality, self-direction, and positive relationships.  Social well-being, such as social acceptance, beliefs in the potential of people and society as a whole, personal self-worth and usefulness to society, and sense of community.The former surgeon general notes that there are social determinants of mental health as there are socialdeterminants of general health that need to be in place to support mental health. These includeadequate housing, safe neighborhoods, equitable jobs and wages, quality education, and equity inaccess to quality health care.From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/basics.htm