Understanding Mental Illness - after the Virginia Tech Tragedy
The tragic shootings on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have raised many questions regarding mental illness. SAMHSA offers the following materials so that we all can become better informed about this important topic.
Myths and Facts About Mental Health Often people are afraid to talk about mental health because there are many misconceptions about mental illnesses. It’s important to learn the facts. Click on this website to learn more.
About Mental Illnesses
This site provides information so that you can know more about some of the common mental illnesses.
Violence and Mental Illness This fact sheet helps readers understand the truth about mental illness and violence.
Real Stories The personal accounts found here are true stories of real people and their experiences with mental illnesses. They have chosen to share their stories to inspire others and help people understand that mental illnesses are real, common, and treatable—and that recovery is possible.
National Anti-Stigma Campaign SAMHSA, in conjunction with the Ad Council, has launched a public education campaign designed to encourage, educate, and inspire people between 18 and 25 to support their friends who are experiencing mental health problems. The prevalence of serious mental health conditions in this age group is almost double that of the general population, yet young people have the lowest rate of help-seeking behaviors. This group has a high potential to minimize future disability if social acceptance is broadened and they receive the right support and services early on. Learn more about mental illnesses, understand the facts, and find our resources for how you can join the campaign by going to the website.
Social Acceptance is the Key to Mental Health Recovery This fact sheet provides information on a 2006 survey of the public’s attitudes on mental illness and highlights how increasing social acceptance can help to increase mental health recovery.
Mental health: it’s part of our classrooms
Growing evidence shows that when schools address mental health issues they can boost academic achievement, reduce absenteeism, and increase graduation rates. To help schools reap these benefits, SAMHSA has developed a variety of materials. These include a guide for school administrators, a teacher training package, and several other tools, all designed to help educators make mental health a part of their classrooms.
SAMHSA Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma (ADS Center) This program provides practical assistance to individuals, States, and public and private organizations in the design, implementation, and operation of programs and initiatives to reduce discrimination and stigma associated with mental illness. The website offers a wealth of information on how you can get involved in reducing stigma including research findings, innovative programs, and a series of audio training calls on such topics as reducing stigma on campuses, working with the media and addressing stigma in diverse communities..
Challenging Stereotypes: an Action Guide This guide provides you with some tools to help you promote fair, accurate, and balanced portrayals of mental illness in the media. Your voice does make a difference.
Developing a Stigma Reduction Initiative This kit is designed to support the activities of those who plan to mount a statewide, regional, or local effort to address and counter stigma and discrimination. It is intended for use by local mental health advocates, consumers of mental health services and their family members, community leaders, and other organizations and individuals who have dedicated themselves to eliminating the barriers of stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental illnesses.
