Mental Health Awareness Week | Commemorative Journal 2017

Commemorative Journal
2017

What is Mental Health?

MENTAL HEALTH BASICS

The term mental health is commonly used in reference to mental illness. However, knowledge in the
field has progressed to a level that appropriately differentiates the two. Although mental health and
mental illness are related, they represent different psychological states.

Mental health is “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.” It is estimated that only about 17% of U.S adults are considered to be in a
state of optimal mental health. There is emerging evidence that positive mental health is associated
with improved health outcomes.

Mental illness is defined as “collectively all diagnosable mental disorders” or “health conditions that are
characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination thereof) associated
with distress and/or impaired functioning.” Depression is the most common type of mental illness,
affecting more than 26% of the U.S. adult population. It has been estimated that by the year 2020,
depression will be the second leading cause of disability throughout the world, trailing only ischemic
heart disease.

Evidence has shown that mental disorders, especially depressive disorders, are strongly related to the
occurrence, successful treatment, and course of many chronic diseases including diabetes, cancer,
cardiovascular disease, asthma, and obesity and many risk behaviors for chronic disease; such as,
physical inactivity, smoking, excessive drinking, and insufficient sleep.

MENTAL HEALTH INDICATORS

In the health care and public health arena, more emphasis and resources have been devoted to
screening, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness than mental health. Little has been done to protect
the mental health of those free of mental illness. Researchers suggest that there are indicators of
mental health, representing three domains. These include the following:

▪ Emotional well-being, such as perceived life satisfaction, happiness, cheerfulness, peacefulness.
▪ Psychological well-being, such as self-acceptance, personal growth including openness to new

experiences, optimism, hopefulness, purpose in life, control of one’s environment, spirituality,
self-direction, and positive relationships.
▪ Social well-being, such as social acceptance, beliefs in the potential of people and society as a
whole, personal self-worth and usefulness to society, and sense of community.

The former surgeon general notes that there are social determinants of mental health as there are social
determinants of general health that need to be in place to support mental health. These include
adequate housing, safe neighborhoods, equitable jobs and wages, quality education, and equity in
access to quality health care.

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/basics.htm

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK?

In recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Week, the Association for Mental
Health and Wellness, in collaboration with the Mental Health Association of Nassau
County, present a week of anti-stigma events representing a broad spectrum of the
mental health community on Long Island.

It’s no secret that stigma is a major barrier for many who need mental healthcare. As a
result, too many people avoid seeking the help they need. The goal for Mental Health
Awareness Week is to promote a broader understanding through a network of Island-
wide community dialogues, educational forums, and engaging events. We aim to reach
not only to those impacted by the challenges of mental health distress, trauma, and
psychiatric disability, but all Long Islanders so people can better access the services that
they, or a loved one, need.

Events will include a myriad of activities including displays at local libraries,
presentations on legal issues, health fairs and screenings, and a variety of artistic,
creative, and wellness-promoting workshops. Please visit www.MHAWeek.org for
details and a complete schedule of events and activities.

This year, we have engaged a myriad of public and private partners to host a record 50-
plus activities and events during the week that will help advance the conversation about
mental health.

History

Mental Health Awareness Week, known previously as Mental Illness Awareness Week,
was established in 1990 by the U.S. Congress in recognition of efforts by the National
Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to educate and increase awareness about mental
illness. It takes place every year during the first full week of October.

Mental Health Awareness Week is a presentation of:

Association for Mental Health and Wellness Mental Health Association of Nassau County
939 Johnson Avenue 16 Main Street
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 Hempstead, NY 11550
631-471-7242 516-489-2322
www.mhaw.org www.mhanc.org
Michael Stoltz, LCSW, Chief Executive Officer Eda Franco, Executive Director
Cynthia Mason, Board President E. Christopher Murray, Board President

Register now for our featured event!

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