Mental Health America (MHA)
2,571 FOLLOWERS
Mental Health America is dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing mental disorders, and advocating, educating, and serving all Americans on mental and substance use conditions.
Mental Health America (MHA)
2d ago
How young people on the front lines of mental health are making a difference (and what you can do to help!)
MHA Admin Mon, 03/25/2024 - 12:59
March 25, 2024
by Makalynn Powell, Peer and Youth Policy Fellow
When I think of youth in the U.S., my first thought isn’t typically of young people using their voices to advocate for mental health accessibility and systematic reform. Thanks to the members of Mental Health America’s Youth Policy Accelerator (YPA), I’ve learned that young people are not only aware of the current challenges in mental health care but have also come up with real solutions ..read more
Mental Health America (MHA)
1M ago
Preventing, not perpetuating, eating disorders in the doctor’s office
MHA Admin Fri, 02/23/2024 - 11:49
February 26, 2024
by Lisa Radzak, executive director, WithAll
Content warning: Eating disorders, disordered eating.
Imagine yourself as a 12-year-old girl – Your reflection is changing; you look different than just months ago. Your body is preparing you for puberty, but all you see is a new number on the scale. Messages from all around threaten how you perceive these changes. What makes you you, others are saying, needs to be changed. No one asked what size and shape you wanted your body t ..read more
Mental Health America (MHA)
1M ago
Navigating student mental health challenges and opportunities at HBCUs
MHA Admin Fri, 02/16/2024 - 15:50
February 20, 2024
by Chayil Bullock-Mariscal
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) stand as beacons of empowerment and academic excellence within the African American community. Beyond academics, these institutions cultivate a feeling of inclusion, cultural pride, and support from a community of individuals that not only resemble you, but sincerely want to see each student succeed. Like any institution, HBCUs face unique challenges when it comes to supporting student mental ..read more
Mental Health America (MHA)
1M ago
Guest blog: How Hip Hop Therapy is reshaping mental health care
MHA Admin Wed, 02/14/2024 - 15:29
February 16, 2024
by Khafre Jay
This blog was adapted from a longer article.
Amidst a backdrop of cultural shifts and persistent mental health crises, a new form of therapy emerges, combining the raw power of Hip Hop with traditional healing practices. This innovative therapeutic approach, known as Hip Hop therapy, isn't just a fringe concept; it's a burgeoning practice that's reshaping how we view mental health care, particularly for those who've felt alienated by traditional methods.
The ..read more
Mental Health America (MHA)
1M ago
5 types of love we don't talk about enough
MHA Admin Tue, 02/06/2024 - 15:44
February 07, 2024
by Niya McCray-Brown, Director of Community Engagement
“Love” is one of the most difficult words to define. Human beings often think about this essential experience by narrowing their focus to love’s attributes.
Is “love” a simple feeling or a complex discipline?
Does “love” show up as grand gestures or subtle, intimate moments?
Is “love” felt most when given or received?
Our experiences of love play a major role in our mental health and wellness. Thinking about love is na ..read more
Mental Health America (MHA)
1M ago
Guest blog: Does shame serve a purpose?
MHA Admin Mon, 02/05/2024 - 10:04
February 06, 2024
by Lexie Manion
Some of us feel ashamed for losing a relationship or not meeting a specific goal we set out for – which is particularly acute in the New Year when there is pressure to start over, as if we were lacking or inferior before. It can be a dark place to exist. We seem to forget that our worth is constant and not based on real or perceived failures.
To me, shame is the feeling of guilt magnified.
Feeling ashamed, or shame, is commonly associated with “guilt,” which is defined as “a feeling ..read more
Mental Health America (MHA)
2M ago
The role of policy in driving peer-to-peer mental health support
MHA Admin Tue, 01/30/2024 - 15:28
January 31, 2024
by Saiarchana Darira
How can policy be used as a tool to help people feel less alone in the world?
When COVID-19 broke out in 2020, I felt deeply alone and isolated from society due to social distancing. Peer support helped me cope with the events that were unfolding in the world, and the support I received inspired my mental health advocacy journey – creating mindfulness initiatives to support others who were struggling with their mental health.
I am currently stud ..read more
Mental Health America (MHA)
2M ago
Making advocacy accessible: 5 learnings from my first congressional briefing
MHA Admin Tue, 01/16/2024 - 08:40
January 16, 2024
by Makalynn Powell
If you’re like me, the idea of attending a congressional briefing may be intimidating and confusing. Initially, I expected what you might see on C-SPAN – to walk into a large meeting room full of older, influential government representatives questioning people as they stand in front of a microphone. As mental health advocates, or future advocates, our voices matter, and attendance at these types of forums is imperative for change. Perhaps, like yo ..read more
Mental Health America (MHA)
4M ago
What is your ‘why’: 5 common reasons people support Mental Health America
MHA Admin Mon, 12/04/2023 - 16:56
December 05, 2023
by Jennifer Molina
One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is hearing stories from donors and their “why” – why they choose to give generously to Mental Health America (MHA). Just recently, I spoke with Gary, a passionate mental health advocate. Our conversation and his commitment to raising mental health awareness inspired me greatly.
During our conversation, Gary shared how he utilized MHA's Mental Health Month toolkit within his retirement community. His enthusia ..read more
Mental Health America (MHA)
4M ago
Adult autism: Seeking an official diagnosis
MHA Admin Thu, 11/30/2023 - 11:57
December 01, 2023
by Kristen Abell
A little over a year ago, I started to wonder if maybe I was autistic.
Not one to let things go (also known as hyperfixation), my exploration led me to reading scientific books about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and memoirs by autistic people, listening to various podcasts about autism, and looking up resources and information about ASD online. I even started seeing a therapist who specializes in working with neurodivergent patients and who has indicated she agrees with my self ..read more