Sunday, May 15, 2011

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

"When you are in your heart of hearts, you can see beyond appearances." -Carlos Santana



What do you know about mental health?  

The World Health Organization defines mental health as a "state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community."  

I think the feeling of well-being is the key to mental health. Mental health also requires resilience, balance, flexibility, and the ability to express who you really are inside.

Part of my work is to help remove the stigma from mental illness.  It's a brain disorder, a medical illness that affects one in every four people.  It's important to fight against hurtful representations of mental illness. The National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) does just that. Get yourself educated, or get help if you need it, it's ok.

This week I will be participating in the Mental Health Blog Party.  Check it out!

And that's what's going on in My World this week.


7 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Thank you for the wonderful work that you do in helping others! And thanks for helping make all of us more aware. Hope you have a wonderful week, Loran! Love Santana's words!

Sylvia

Sivinden said...

Thank you for sharing. Your work is so important.

Unknown said...

the world is getting more and more irrational by the minute. Sometimes i just marvel at the insanity. Mental health is definitely something we all need. Great post

Stewart M said...

Hi there - as others have said your work is important - its remarkable what you can do when you head is no longer full of shadows!

Stewart M - Australia

Powell River Books said...

Thanks for getting out an important message. - Margy

Janie said...

I love the quote "seeing beyond appearances." That's such an important part of accepting and enjoying others and the world around us.

Linda said...

I'm impressed by the resources here that are being put into supporting the elderly through depression. It's a growing problem, as older people live more isolated lives. My dad has been helped tremendously by caring professionals, and I'm really grateful.