Pathways to Wellness, is the theme for the May, 2013 Mental Health Month, and details what wellness is and how it can be achieved in a mental health capacity. Defined as “an active process of becoming aware of, and making choices toward a more successful existence,” this year’s campaign focuses on the variety of pathways people can take to work toward wellness, such as achieving good overall health, maintaining positive relationships, taking care of your community, learning to let go of negativity and more.

 Mental Health Month is a way to communicate with mental health stakeholders about mental health facts, share personal stories, educate the community and eliminate stigma. A campaign derived from Mental Health America, Pathways to Wellness also discusses why it is important to address the social determinants of health. “Creating a framework that incorporates the social determinants of health can provide a more complete picture of why people become ill initially, and what it will take to restore their health.

Facts at a Glance

-       Approximately 3.5 million individuals are homeless in America.

-       In the U.S., 44 million people are living in poverty and 41.3 million are using food stamps.

-       The U.S. has the highest rate of incarceration in the world, with 2.3 million in prison.

-       LGB individuals have a 1.5 higher rate of depression and anxiety disorders over a period of 12 months or a lifetime then heterosexual individuals.

 For more information about Mental Health Month, please visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net

NAMI Dane County

2059 Atwood Ave

Madison, WI 53704

TEEN SUPPORT GROUP

 The Teen Support Group is designed for teens, ages 14-18 (must still be in high school), who have a mental illness and are looking for a supportive environment where they will learn about symptoms, treatment and resources, as well as spend time socializing with peers.  A recovery model will be emphasized.

The NAMI Teen Support Group is an on-going, weekly support group.  This is an open-ended group meaning that attendance is not mandatory at all sessions in order to be involved, and there is no specific start and end date to attending.

Two mental health professionals facilitate this group, which meets at 5:00 p.m. each Wednesday at the United Way Building in Madison.  Registration by a parent or guardian is required for teens under 18.  New participants are always welcome.

The support group also includes:

• An opportunity for social support to decrease feelings of “being alone”.
• Opportunities to increase knowledge about symptoms and treatments.
• Learning skills that may increase one’s ability to cope with mental illness, both from the consumer and family perspective.
• Information regarding community resources that are available post-high school.
• Periodic meetings for the parents with the Teen Group facilitators.

Meeting Info:

When:  Wednesdays from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Where:  United Way Building, 1st floor conference room,  2059 Atwood Ave., Madison

Fee:  None

Contact:  NAMI Dane County at (608) 249-7188 for more information.

There has been much talk in recent weeks at the national and state levels about mental illness, a topic that is often misrepresented, misunderstood and generally not the focus of much media attention unless something tragic happens.

It’s the job of mental health advocates like Bonnie Loughran, executive director of National Alliance on Mental Illness of Dane County, to push past these stereotypes and speak out on the importance of early diagnosis and sustained treatment so people can live healthy, fruitful lives, she says.