Mental Health Associations & More

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines mental health as "A state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society, and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life." Undoubtedly, mental health thus refers to a human individual's emotional and psychological well-being. The National Mental Health Association is the U.S.'s oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. Soon, we will be providing a direct link via a special directory to mental health associations in the U.S. and elsewhere in the World.

For the U.S. and globally, mental health issues are constantly at the fore. Hence the existence of numerous mental health associations on the global stage. For any of these mental health associations, their mandate is typically one that looks to promote the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people who may be experiencing mental illness.

A sampling of the mission statements and visions of a few Mental Health associations

• The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - As a nation-wide, voluntary organization, the Canadian Mental Health Association promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. The CMHA accomplishes this mission through advocacy, education, research and service.
• Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania (MHASP) - It is the mission of the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania to develop, maintain, and promote innovative education and advocacy programs and mental health services in the five counties we represent in a culturally competent manner, serving as a role model and technical assistance resource for state and national organizations and constituencies.
• Mental Health Association of Virginia - To promote mental health, develop services to prevent mental illness and assure the proper care and treatment of mentally ill children and adults.
• Mental Health Association of Greater St. Louis - representing the public’s interest in all matters relating to mental illness and mental health.
• Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas (MHASCK) - to empower and assist individuals in experiencing optimal mental health and wellness through education, advocacy, and service.
• Mental Health Association in South Carolina - The Mental Health Association in South Carolina believes in a healthy society in which all people are accorded respect, dignity and the opportunity to achieve their full potential free from stigma and prejudice. The MHASC is dedicated to preventing mental disorders through research and achieving victory over mental illnesses through systems and individual advocacy, education and unmet service development.

Forms of mental illness
There are over 200 classified forms of mental illness. Some of the more common disorders include - Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, depression, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Symptoms of a mental health disorder will obviously vary depending on the type of disorder, however some common symptoms include mood changes, personality changes, personal habits and/or social withdrawl.

Mental health promotion
Mental health promotion is essentially concerned with making changes to society that will promote people's mental well-being. It can cover a variety of strategies but typically occurs at three levels:

• Individual - encouragement of invidual resources by the promotion of interventions for self-esteem, coping, assertiveness in areas such as parenting, the workplace or personal relationships.
• Communities - increasing social inclusion and cohesion, developing support structures that promote mental health in workplaces, schools and neighbourhoods.
• Government - reduce socioeconomic barriers to mental health at governmental level by promoting equal access for all and support for vulnerable citizens.
  

Getting help for a mental illness
If you or someone you know develops the symptoms of a mental illness, it is important to get it diagnosed and to start treatment as soon as possible.

Coming Soon
- Mental Health Association Database
- Mental illness search database
More Soon!