During the summer months, families typically have more leisure time together. Occasions of relaxation and fun give adults additional opportunities for more careful observation and in-depth conversations with children—times when adults may identify and deal with underlying mental problems in children and avoid major upsets later on. For instance, eating disorders and their effects on young lives have been prominent in the media recently. Eating disorders frequently occur with other mental disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. These mental health-related problems can be devastating for young people and their families.
We would like to remind you that, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Mental Health Information Center Web site (http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/) and call center (1-800-789-2647), users of mental health services and their families, the general public, policy makers, providers, and the media can get reliable information and resources to support their mental health needs and objectives.
Below are descriptions of programs, publications, and other resources that may be useful to you in your mental health awareness efforts with youth and adults. Featured health observances for July also are listed below.
We encourage you to post these resources on your Web sites or listservs or to use them in any other way that is convenient. Please link back to SAMHSA’s National Mental Health Information Center Web site, citing the Center as your source, so that others can find available SAMHSA resources as well.
Some publications may be available only for downloading online. To order printed materials, go to http://store.mentalhealth.org/publications/ordering.aspx or call 1-800-789-2647 for bilingual information services (TDD: 866-889-2647).
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Features for July 2004
- Featured Publications
- CMHS Program Spotlight
- National Observances
- What Is SIMS?
- Feedback
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Featured Publications
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- Eating Disorders (KEN98-0047) http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ken98-0047/ --This fact sheet answers important questions for readers about eating disorders--what eating disorders are, what the symptoms and diagnosis are, who suffers most from eating disorders, and the treatment and prognosis for eating disorders. Additional referrals are included. (The online version of this publication has been abridged from the printed version.)
- Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents (CA-0007) http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/CA-0007/ --This fact sheet defines anxiety disorders, identifies warning signs, discusses risk factors, describes types of help available, and suggests what parents or other caregivers can do.
- Are These Familiar Problems? (CA-0019C) http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/Ca-0019C/ --This camera-ready print advertisement highlights signs of a potential drinking problem.
- Are They as Healthy as They Look? (CA-0019B) http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/Ca-0019B/ --This print ad illustrates that even kids who look healthy might have mental health problems.
- Child and Family Profiles (CA-0018) http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/CA-0018/ --This fact sheet profiles four children and adolescents with mental health problems and their families who have benefited from family-oriented systems of care. Each family is a client of a grantee site under the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children Program.
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CMHS Program Spotlight: Mental Health Block Grant Program http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/Stateplanning/about.asp
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The Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) Mental Health Block Grant program awards grants to States and territories to improve access to community-based mental health services. Through the program, CMHS supports existing public services and encourages the development of creative and cost-effective systems of community-based care for people with serious mental disorders. For more information about this program, visit http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/Stateplanning/about.asp.
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National Observances
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§ National Therapeutic Recreation Week, July 11-17, 2004--This annual observance promotes the benefits of therapeutic recreation programs and services. Research shows that people with mental illnesses or disabilities who participate in therapeutic recreation improve in social interaction, play and recreation, and vocational abilities. Visit http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/July2004/recreation/ to learn more.
- National Parents’ Day, July 25, 2004--Celebrate the efforts of parents and their many responsibilities on the 10th annual National Parents’ Day, held on the fourth Sunday of July. Private citizens, organizations, and governmental and legislative bodies at all levels are encouraged to issue proclamations and plan activities to recognize and support all adults involved in a child-rearing role. Find out more at http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/July2004/parentsday/
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What Is SIMS?
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SIMS is short for SAMHSA’s Information Mailing System. Members of the SIMS mailing list receive free, timely e-mail notices about grant and contract announcements, new publications, policy announcements, and research data in the mental health (and substance abuse) areas they care about. SIMS members also receive free materials by mail related to their topics of interest. Take advantage of this unique offer, and sign up today at http://sims.samhsa.gov/.
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Feedback
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We would like to know what you think about our Web site and services. Please send us your feedback: info@mentalhealth.org.
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Thank you for your efforts toward promoting mental health awareness and providing support and services to those in need.
Cecile Douglas
SAMHSA’s National Mental Health Information Center