One in five children undergo from mental disorders

It wasn’t until decades later, in May of 2006, that she finally admitted that a bout of baby blues exposed the fact that she suffered from bipolar depression. Margaret now travels across North America to talk to teenagers about recognising the signs of mental illness. She is blunt when discussing bi-polar disorder and how it tore her life apart. Trudeau has been travelling approximately Alberta talking with students, teachers and administrators about recognizing mental health issues at an early age.

She hopes more people will understand that one in five children move violently with some kind of mental health issue and they need to reach our for help. “You can deal with your mental issues now while your brain is still really developing, before the bad habits are implemented intensely in your brain,” says Margaret. “Having the same ways of thinking that just get you into trouble again and again so taking it on early is really important.” Trudeau gave a speech to Calgary teachers Wednesday afternoon at an event prepared by the Alberta Teachers Association.

Yale to Host Conference on Children's Mental Health

Yale University's Child Study Center will crowd a symposium Friday on how autism, ADHD and other mental health disorders affect children. Organized by the center as part of its 100th anniversary celebration, the symposium will feature six speakers, each focusing on a feature of mental health for children.


The event also will honor Dr. Milton J.E. Senn, who was among the first in the field of child psychoanalysis to suggest that children's emotional needs were being overlooked. The first part of the symposium will feature a talk about Senn. Other talks will focus on autism, Tourette's syndrome, attention shortfall hyperactivity disorder and advances in treating pediatric anxiety disorders. The symposium — aimed at parents, pediatricians and primary care providers — will be at the elegance Murray Hopper Auditorium at Yale's West Campus in Orange.

Mental illness and the magistrates

Mental health professionals have recognized for years that people who suffer from serious mental illnesses are often more likely to end up in jail than in some form of treatment. That's why a new program in the Baltimore City Circuit Court to divert some seriously ill defendants to mental health programs instead of jail is a worthy effort. But to succeed, the initiative will require not only an adequate supply of mental health treatment slots in Baltimore, but also increased access to stable, safe and affordable housing for the mentally ill defendants it serves — something that has been absent in the past.

The inventiveness, known as the Mental Health Case Management Docket, is aimed at the repeat offenders who commit crimes as a result of having a serious Mental illness rather than from criminal intent. People who suffer from lifelong psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or clinical depression are often unable of taking responsibility for their actions. Unless they get treatment that addresses their essential disorder, their behavior is unlikely to change and they may remain a danger to themselves and others, regardless of the sentence they receive.

Gov’t ‘must’ eliminate mental illness

The government is paying poor attention to the abolition of mental illness in the country as it allocates less money to mental illness than other health programs, a legislator says. Member of House Commission IX overseeing health policy Nova Riyanti Yusuf said many community health centers and local mental health agencies do not provide care for mental illness, arguing that they are still “developing” programs. “This leads to inhumane behaviors towards patients, such as incarceration in wooden stocks,” she said as quoted by Antara news agency. “Failing to treat these patients could guide to suicide.” She quoted a WHO report that said at least 50,000 Indonesians committed suicide between 2005 and 2007.

NH responds to mental health exploration

New Hampshire's department of health and human services says the state's mental health system does not infringe federal law. The department responded Wednesday to a recent U.S. Department of Justice investigation that completed that the state is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The state was criticized for failing to provide sufficient community-based services to people with mental illness, leading to needless and prolonged stays at the state mental hospital. In its response, the state says it already has a plan to serve people in the least restrictive setting possible and has made important progress in implementing it despite fiscal challenges. It also noted that the middle length of wait at the state mental hospital is seven days, compared to a national average of 47 days.

Intellect your mental health at Girgenti

This weekend, the Inquisitor’s Palace in Girgenti is being turned into an oasis of calm as visitors to the open weekend will have a chance to meditate, have a massage or indulge in some art appreciation. The Prime Minister’s wife, Kate Gonzi, who is coordinating the open weekend, said it was important to take care of one’s mental illness well-being as it helped in all areas of life.

The activity will feature the participation of unpaid organisations who work in the mental health sector, including Richmond Foundation, The Association for Mental Health, the St Jeanne Antide Foundation, Friends of Mount Carmel Hospital and Caritas’s Thursday Club. The public is positive to give a donation in aid of these associations. The event is being organised with the help of the HSBC Malta Base.

NAMI cites Center for reporting of mental illness

NAMI Dane County has presented its annual Media Award to the Wisconsin Center for analytical Journalism for stories that increased the public’s understanding of mental illness. The award recognized the Center’s extensive coverage of perinatal depression among low-income mothers, Wisconsin’s high suicide rates and elevated suicide rates among Native Americans in Wisconsin and nationwide. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a nonprofit, proletariat organization that strives to improve the lives of people living with serious mental disorder.

In accepting the award April 5 at NAMI’s awards dinner, the Center’s managerial director, Andy Hall, and reporter and multimedia manager, Kate Golden, dedicated it to the families who shared their stories to foster public understanding of suicides and perinatal depression and potential strategies for prevention. They also recognized work of former Center reporting interns Sara Jerving and Allie Tempus, who wrote the stories; and news organizations that collaborated on the reporting, including Wisconsin Public Radio, IndianCountryTV.com, Wisconsin Public Television and Native America Calling.

Mental health boost for provincial WA

New state funding is expected to boost the excellence and number of mental health workers in regional Western Australia. The State Government has handed the Western Australian Association for Mental Health nearly $1.7 million to dispense to non-government agencies over the next two years.

The association's Stephen Hall says the money will go towards recruiting and preparation mental illness workers. "We can increase the capacity of the workforce with training and other things around that," he said. "That's particularly important for service delivery in rustic and remote settings, having a professional workforce that is well trained and has the proficiency that is needed on the ground."

Housing vital to treat mental health issues

I am a senior who volunteers three times a week on the psychoanalysis in-patient unit. I have been doing that volunteer work for over three years and have never felt concern for my safety. The truth is that the vast majority of people with a mental health are not threatening or dangerous. Rather, they are much more likely to be fatalities of crime.


It saddens me that so many people have stigmatized those with a mental illness as being bad or weak-willed, or frightening or dangerous. That simply is just not true. People with mental illnesses are just like you and me. Chances are someone you know has a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness. Councillors needs to educate themselves on the realities of mental illness and become true leaders in Nanaimo. They must allow the housing for people with mental illness to ensue.

Accesses to food can collision mental health

New research is flaking light on how a lack of access to food affects our mental health. Staff at the University of Otago in Wellington has found a lack of access to safe, nutritious, affordable food is a growing problem in New Zealand and is adding to psychological suffering amongst thousands of adults. Dr Kristie Carter says females are more at risk than males of suffering from so-called food insecurity, as are those who struggle to afford food. She hopes the research can be used by health and welfare agencies to tackle food uncertainty and mental illness hand-in-hand.

Mental Disorders and Fatness

Studies have shown a strong connection between common mental disorder and obesity. It is suggested that people with repeated episodes of common mental disorder are particularly at risk of following obesity. There are several possible reasons or explanations for the finding that importunate common mental illness and emotional problems like anxiety, depression, stress, and fear are the risk factors for obesity.


In a prospective followers study with four measures of common mental disorders and obesity over 19 years conducted at the civil service department in London it was concluded that in the British adults common mental disorders lead to an augmented risk of obesity. The association was found to be cumulative such that the people with chronic or repeat episodes of common mental disorder are particularly at the jeopardy of weight gain.

Clemons tackles mental illness shame

Canadian Football League legend Michael (Pinball) Clemons describes Mental illness as a huge linebacker delivering a hit from the blind side. "It consistently delivers crushing, if not fatal blows to our business community and families," he said today at the Mental Fitness pinnacle, being held at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation, on Creek bank Rd.


Clemons is keynote speaker at the day-long event, helping crowd organizations High Point Wellness Centre, the University of Toronto's Division of General Psychiatry, and Workplace Safety and Prevention Services tackle the stigma surrounding mental illness in the workplace. It's anticipated that mental illness costs Canada $51 billion per year, according to Dr. Jayne Baker, who works with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. About one in five Canadians is pretentious by mental illness, The Canadian Institutes of Health Research reports. Senior leaders and those in attendance participated in an open discussion about mental health and a number of seminars that aim to authorize people to improve their own mental health.

England cricket ace’s optimistic spin on mental health

The England cricketer flew home from the World Cup after keeping his illness a clandestine from most of his team-mates. Being open about this condition, Yardy, 30, has offered support to millions of people who may be suffering in silence. In the UK, one in four of us will be affected at some point during our lifetime - but we're not alone. Celebrities counting George Michael, Uma Thurman, Dame Kelly Holmes and Dancing On Ice star Denise Welch have all spoken out about their Mental illness.

Mark Davies, from the Mental health charity Rethink, said: "In being honest and open about their problems celebrities show great bravery and also give heart to millions of people who suffer in silence because of the fear of stigma and favoritism. "Now it's Michael Yardy. But many others in the public eye - such as Stephen Fry and Alastair Campbell - have done the same thing. "What they show is that mental illness is like any other illness. It can affect anyone regardless of who they are or what they do. Attitudes ARE changing as a result of their bravery." Mark added that it is wrong to think of the condition as not being able to handle stress.

Flu eruption, mental health issues overload CHEO ER

A record number of children with flu and stomach viruses is congestion the emergency room at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, leading to long waits, bed shortages and cancelled surgeries. The situation is being worsened by a spike in the number of children and teens needing urgent care for depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and other Mental health crises. The unprecedented stipulate for the hospital's psychiatric services started in November, soon after the suicide of Daron Richardson, the 14-year-old daughter of Ottawa Senators assistant coach Luke Richardson. The demand has not let up since, CHEO spokeswoman Marie Bélanger said. Since January, ER visits to CHEO have risen 20 per cent, with a total of 15,000 patients. Of that number, 516 suffered from Mental disorder suffering.

Mental illness appeal in amputee killing

A man who fatally stabbed his aunt, a double amputee who lost her legs as a result of diabetes complications, will quarrel he was mentally ill at the time, a court has heard. Noel Keith Gardiner, 22, pleaded not guilty in the NSW Supreme Court today to murdering Elizabeth Phillips, who was found dead in her bed at her home at Casino, on the NSW north coast, in September 2009. Ms Phillips, 36, who used a wheelchair after losing both her legs from the knees down, had multiple stab wounds to her back, stomach, hands, forearm and head, court documents say.

Gardiner's barrister, Chris Bruce, told Justice Terence Buddin at the opening of the judge-alone trial that Gardiner's innocent plea was based on a Mental illness defence. Crown prosecutor Sarah Huggett tendered medical reports from two forensic psychiatrists, who both concluded such a defence would be available. Justice Buddin said because an admission had been made by the accused, "the only live issue is a question of whether or not he was mentally ill at the time of the deadly act".

Geoffrey Boycott angers mental health charities by criticising miserable player Michael Yardy

GEOFFREY Boycott infuriated Mental health charities yesterday when he claimed depressed cricketer Michael Yardy quit the World Cup because he wasn’t good enough. England all-rounder Yardy, who flew home unexpectedly from Sri Lanka yesterday citing despair, had been criticised for his recent performances.

And Boycott, 70, said: “He must have been reading my commentary about his bowling. That must have upset him as it’s clearly too much for him. He’s not good enough at this level.” When told Yardy, 30, quit due to Mental illness rather than a loss of form, the 108-Test veteran said: “I’ve been, with respect, a better player? I’ve been able to hold my place for Yorkshire and England, so I’ve always got picked, played good, so I’ve not been in that place where my quality of play has been poor and it’s got to me mind-wise.”

Anthrax Killings Doubt Had History of Mental Illness

Anthrax killings suspect Bruce Ivins, the man the FBI believes was responsible for the attacks that killed 5 people in 2001, had documented Mental illness problems dating back several decades, according to CNN. These findings, courtesy of a report by a panel of behavioral experts commissioned by the Department of Justice, suggest that Ivins should not have been given his job at a U.S. Army research facility in Maryand. Ivins knew he was under doubt for the attacks and committed suicide in 2008.

According to Gregory Saathoff, the report's lead author, the exposure "does support the Department of Justice's determination that he was responsible," and that he had the capacity, opportunity, and motivation to commit such acts. “The psychiatric records were quite eye-opening," said Saathoff. "The criminal behaviors involved a strong component of revenge that he claimed he had engaged in as well as planned to connect in.” When Ivins was hired in 1980, his mental health records were apparently not reviewed, though he had signed a waiver allowing authorities to do so. Investigators in search of a suspect in the wake of the attack also failed to identify Ivins. "This information had been deemed confidential during Dr. Ivins' lifetime," said Saathoff, "available only to his medical providers, and off-limits to investigators.

People should discuss mental health, say campaigners

People in England need to overcome the clumsiness and fear associated with talking about mental health issues, it has been claimed. According to anti-stigma campaign Time to Change, mental health affects everyone and should be talked about more candidly in everyday discussion.

The organisation has launched a new crusade, entitled It's Time to Talk, It's Time to Change, which hopes to address this reluctance after a survey found two-thirds of workers are scared to tell colleagues about their mental health problems. In contrast, 88 per cent of respondents said they would feel comfortable telling work mates they had been missing from work due to physical illness. Time to Change Director Sue Baker said: "Talking can strengthen friendships, aid recovery and break down stereotypes. It's often a few small words that can make a big difference and get the conversation started. You don't have to be a specialist - just a friend."

Riccardi trial delayed for mental status testing

A Luzerne County senior arbitrator on Monday scheduled a hearing to determine a homicide suspect’s mental status, ultimately postponing his scheduled April trial. Senior Judge Joseph Augello said an Atkins hearing will be held May 2 for Elvis Riccardi, 33, after his attorneys requested it to rule out the death penalty against their client because of mental health issues. An Atkins hearing is based on the outcome of a legal case. In Atkins v. Virginia, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that irritation of the death penalty on the mentally ill constitutes unkind and unusual punishment.

That hearing pressed back Riccardi’s scheduled April 4 trial to now begin on June 7 with jury selection. Riccardi and Michael Simonson, 33, allegedly killed Donald Skiff, 34, of Plymouth, on April 27, 2009. Skiff’s body was found with the help of Simonson in a wooded area off Suscon Road, Jenkins Township, on June 4, 2009. Investigators alleged Riccardi and Simonson kidnapped Skiff in Shickshinny. Simonson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison in August. Riccardi’s attorneys previously have said that if their client was to receive the death punishment, it would be against his rights because Riccardi has a history of “sub-average intellectual functioning, mental illness and/or intellectual disability.” Prosecutors compete in court papers that Riccardi’s request does not give a “factual basis” that would require an Atkins hearing.

Mental Health courtyard Opens in Manhattan

A special court devoted to non-violent cases of defendants with severe mental illnesses will open at 100 Centre Street in Manhattan, announced Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. on Wednesday. “The designation of a Mental Health Court in Manhattan will address the complex criminal justice challenges presented by defendants with serious mental illnesses and will promote greater safety for New Yorkers and greater equality for the mentally ill,” Vance said.

The court will be part of the New York State Supreme Court, with fairness Juan Merchan presiding. Other judges, prosecutors, and the Department of Probation officials, among others, will be able to refer cases to the Mental Health Court. The defendants will receive a psychiatric evaluation prior to the court’s recognition of the cases. Only cases of severe mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depression, will be accepted. “A significant percentage of defendants suffer from mental disorders—an issue that the courts and its criminal justice system partners simply cannot overlook,” stated New York state Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman. “By addressing the underlying mental health issues driving the crime, the Manhattan Mental Health Court will help ensure more effectual, long-term resolutions,”.

Mental health first help course in Alexandria

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota will hold a free Mental Health First Aid interactive training course in Alexandria designed to teach basic first aid skills needed to help a person who is experiencing a mental health problem or disaster.

This 12-hour course is aimed at humanizing mental health literacy. It will be held April 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 605 Douglas Street in Alexandria Understanding and recognizing the signs that someone needs help is the first step in getting that person suitable care and treatment.

Mental health funding increase

MOUNT Gambier will receive around $8.7m of the Federal Government’s most recent announcement for financial support allocated to mental health residential care in regional South Australia. The announcement came during Federal Minister for Health Nicola Roxon’s trip to South Australia this week and is part of a state-wide health reform package valued at $2.9b over the next 10 years – of which $134m worth of projects has now been outlined. “The benefits for South Australia from today’s (Thursday) announcement are widespread – two new Mental health treatment centres will be built at Whyalla and Mount Gambier,” Ms Roxon said.

The centres are based on an obtainable model of care currently operating in Adelaide – one of which is Elpida House – and focuses on assisting patients to develop independent living skills, such as shopping, cooking and socialising while recuperating from an acute Mental illness. The centre, which is to be known as a Community Rehabilitation Centre (CRC), will be developed over the next four years and will house 10 beds for residential “psychosocial rehabilitation” assistance. The CRC will also provide a safe environment for mental health consumers who are adjusting to life in the community, with specialist staff to encourage them to live independently and manage their illness. State Minister for Mental Health John Hill said the CRC would make a enormous difference to people who are on the road to recovery from mental illness, but need a bit more help to learn to look after themselves and be a part of the community again.

Sex dependence now a psychiatric disorder

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) publishes the manual, which is considered the ultimate guide to what constitutes a genuine psychological disorder rather than an imaginary one. Sex addiction became highly publicised when celebrities such as Tiger Woods and Russell Brand required treatment for the condition. The shamed golfer underwent a six-week intensive programme at the Pine Grove clinic in Mississippi, designed to treat sexual addiction, sexual anorexia, association addiction and sexual trauma.

Meanwhile, betting addiction has recently been classified as a Mental illness in Britain and now the health service is starting a preliminary project for sex addiction treatment. And the recent discussion of sex addiction could spark a boom in drug companies re-packaging anti-depressants and sex-drive-suppressants, according to experts. The Priory chain of clinics says its patients: “work on themselves for eight or nine hours a day in group rehabilitation, in individual sessions with their psychiatrists and with a wide range of trained therapists.” Clinical psychologist and sex psychoanalyst Janet Hall in Melbourne said patients with sex addiction problems now make up the majority of her clients.

Lifeline focuses on mental health in the office

LIFELINE Macarthur struck another waft against the stigma of Mental illness when it hosted a symposium on Mental health in the workplace at its Smeaton Grange centre on Thursday. UWS clinical psychology professor Rocco Crino and Michael Hall, chief executive officer of the Wild Works organization which helps businesses align and engage their staff, jointly presented to give the 60-strong spectators insights into both the personal and corporate aspects of dealing with mental health issues.

While NSW State Liberal leader Barry O’Farrell took the opportunity to deliver his party’s policy on mental health, Lifeline Macarthur’s chief executive officer Peter Mihajlovic kept his praise for the two speakers who delivered potent messages on addressing Mental health issues in the workplace and the community. “Rocco spoke about types of mental disorders and why it is important to address them in the workplace and walked us through a case study of engaging with someone with mental health issues, then Michael spoke on the corporate viewpoint and what employers, supervisors and managers can do.” “It was an excellent presentation which inspired a vigorous question-and-answer time and had people asking us for details of the next symposium, which we will clutch if there is sufficient demand”

Huge money injection for mental health

THE Federal Government will expend nearly $80 million on mental health as part of a $134 million health reform package for South Australia unveiled today. As discovered in The Advertiser, Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon has announced 12 Commonwealth-funded health and hospital projects for South Australians.
They include:
*Nearly $20 million for supported housing services in metropolitan and country areas to support people with a mental illness after they leave acute care.
*Nearly $19 million for early interference care to ease pressure on families caring for someone with a mental illness.
*Two new country mental health treatment centres, in Whyalla and Mount Gambier, with 20 beds across the two sites, costing $17.3 million.
*$12 million for youth sub-acute inpatient services for people aged 16 to 24 experiencing early neurosis.
*A mental health forensic sub-acute step down unit with 10 beds and concentrated rehabilitation services costing $6.1 million.
*Mental health early interference home-based services providing around-the-clock assistance to people in a crisis in their own homes costing $6 million.
Ms Roxon also announced $54.7 million in subsidy for new equipment and facilities at hospitals including Repatriation General Hospital and Modbury Hospital. State Health Minister John Hill said the mental health investments would harmonize South Australia's ongoing mental health reforms.

Premature treatment helps youth mental illness

The study shows anxiety and misery are the leading cause of disability in young people, affecting 27 per cent of women aged 20 to 24 and 17 per cent of men in the same age range. Professor George Patton from the Murdoch Children's Institute says the rate of Mental illness increases considerably between puberty and young maturity.

Professor Patton says early handling could make a difference. "I think we have increasing evidence that if you intervene with a Mental disorder at an earlier point, that's got to be good," he said. "If you take something like anorexia nervosa... if you intervene effectively, that can make a huge difference to the result of that disorder five years down the line."

Youngsters Smoking Cannabis at a Risk of Mental Illness

Commonly used illegal drug across the world, especially among teenagers and youngsters. A recent study conducted by the European scientists has discovered that smoking Cannabis doubles the risk of mental illness in teenagers. The use of cannabis can provoke paranoia, hallucinations and bizarre behavior. The use of Cannabis also triggers extreme aggression and violence among teenagers. It was also found that people who tolerate smoking cannabis have continuous mental problems as compared to those who stop.

The experts also claim that smoking cannabis also activates psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia in susceptible youngsters. In order to study the impact of cannabis, a study was conducted on 1,900 volunteers aged 14 to 24, none of whom had any history of psychotic symptoms. The study was continued for a period of 10 years. The results found that those who had started cannabis for the first time during the study had doubled the risk of developing psychotic symptoms and mental illness. Experts say that the study will provide support to the widespread public opposition to the validation of cannabis. The use of cannabis is considered hazardous and it affects the individual and culture so teenagers are advised to stay away from smoking cannabis.

Matthew Newton Has Mental Sickness

Australian star Matthew Newton is mentally ill and has been living in "utter fear" for his life since leaving a health center, according to his lawyer. The actor appeared before a judge on Wednesday (02Mar11) following his arrest last month (Feb11) for allegedly breaching an detained violence order (Avo) by trying to contact his ex-girlfriend, actress Rachael Taylor. His attorney Chris Murphy told Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court the 34 year old made a "mistake" by calling Taylor. Murphy explained that his client is suffering from a psychiatric illness and wants to have the legal matter dealt with beneath the Mental Health Act. The lawyer told the court, "He (Newton) does not have any addictions, he has a psychiatric illness."

Murphy also revealed that Newton is frightened for his life after he was knocked to the ground by a large man in December (10). He claimed the attack was inspired by journalist Paul Kent's campaign to members of the public to punch the actor in the mouth. Murphy added, "(Newton) received several sutures to his face and suffered a broken nose. I have done two cases, where a man has been king-hit (knocked out) and killed. (Newton) lives in absolute fear and he has got a Mental illness." Kent called for Newton to be given a "good hiding, a smack in the mouth" in August (10) after the star was accused of assaulting Taylor. The matter was adjourned for a mental health issue earshot next month (13Apr11), according to the Aap.

Brood and Mental Illness

Every child acts out from time to time. But doctors say there's an important distinction between the typical tantrum and something much more serious. Although many continue to view mental illness as an adult affliction, about one in five kids have a mental disorder. Experts say the youngest of kids suffer depression, anxiety, even schizophrenia. Unfortunately, the symptoms are often missed or mistaken for something else.

Mental illness topic of agenda

The Geauga County Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will present a 12-week Family to Family instruction program beginning March 12. It will be from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at The Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, 13244 Ravenna Road in Chardon, across from the UH Geauga Medical Center. The series is free for family members, partners and friends of individuals affected with mental illness. Classes are ordered to help caregivers understand and support individuals with serious mental illness while maintaining their own well being.

Mental Health in the juvenile

Mental disorders can seriously affect even infants and toddlers, reveals a new study led by Joy D. Osofsky and Alicia F. Lieberman of the Universities of Louisiana State and California. The study is a part of a series that is looking into the lack of mental healthcare for children from birth to five years, and is jointly edited by Ed Tronick, University of Massachusetts, and Osofsky. It has been published by the American Psychological Association.

The researchers claim that because of a wrong notion that young children are not afflicted with Mental illness, the problem is not identified and treatment is not given which could lead to permanent damage. Rather than being “immune to the effects of early adversity and trauma because they are inherently resilient and 'grow out of' behavioral problems and emotional difficulties,” infants do react to the emotions and intentions of the people around them and make meaning about their own selves.

Mental Health Care Cuts Could Affects fatalities

Money for mental health services is being cut on the centralized, state and even county level and it could hurt those suffering from an illness. Thomas Crocco suffers from mental health and is concerned that if cuts continue, his services and medication will be cut, too. Crocco said, "It would be detrimental. I could land in the hospital or even jail." It's been 10 years since he was last hospitalized for his illness and he doesn't want to take a pace back.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness in Cambria County lost $110,000 in financial support; now it relies on the United Way. NAMI Executive Director Wendy Stewart said, "Treatment and support can keep people well and by wounding mental health services, you are only going to see in the end an increase in hospitalizations and increased incarcerations. The things that cost so much more money."

Babyhood mental illness

Childhood mental illness occurs in about 20 percent of U.S. children during any given year, and roughly 5 million children have a mental illness serious enough to interfere with daily life, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Research shows that while half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, changes in the body leading to mental illness may start much previous, even before symptoms appear, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Through greater sympathetic of when and how fast specific areas of children's brains develop, scientists are learning more about the early stages of a wide range of mental illnesses that appear later in life. Some experts believe that helping young children and their parents manage difficulties early in life may prevent the development of some disorders or make them easier to treat. Many children with Mental illnesses, however, are not getting cure.

‘No need to hide’ from mental illness, says stomp designer

"The stigma often related with mental illness is very real," said Blatnicki. "Many people with mental illnesses are afraid to share their condition with other people for fear of mockery or judgment. The stigma is so real, in fact, many will avoid telling friends or family of their mental condition." More than 300 designs were submitted for the contest. A panel of judges and the stamp ¬advisory committee selected the top five submissions that best reflected the stamp's mission: to lift ¬awareness of the mental health issue and break down the stigma attached to it.

But it's up to Canadians to choose which design becomes official postage, and they have until March 14 to vote for their favourite submission. "I was very impressed by the quality of the designs we were asked to review," Jim Phillips, Canada Post director of stamp services, said in a release. One dollar from the sale of every 2011 mental health stamp booklet goes to support the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health, which has raised more than $4.8 million since 2008. Blatnicki is no stranger to mental illness and its collision on lives. He works at mindyourmind.ca, a non-profit mental health engagement program that works with youth and professionals to develop resources and message platforms surrounding mental health.

Advocates shove to Keep Mental Health Court Funding

Six years ago, former corrections officer Mark Burchell was so ill from bipolar disorder that he imagined himself as a military general out to save the world. In reality, he was an unwashed, stubbly homeless man searching out bus shelters and still-warm car hoods to sleep on at night.

The habit earned him stay after stay in jail until he was admitted to Nevada's ground-breaking Mental Health Court system, which steered him to stability and ultimately, a post as president of the Nevada chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness. Burchell is now fighting to save the life of the program, which would be moved under Gov. Brian Sandoval's proposed budget from the state's authority and made the responsibility of cash-strapped counties who say they can't afford it.

Mental illness survive

An agency may have been less than simple with North Canton residents about plans for a building on N. Main Street. Will it house only low-income military veterans? Or will it also house people who have a mental illness? Officials of ICAN Housing Solutions say they want to convert the Harleigh Inn into apartments for veterans. Their website, however, refers only to people with mental health issues. This confusion caused a great deal of anxiety at a City Council meeting last week. Ultimately, though, that issue misses the point.

Some residents and city officials quickly assumed the nastiest about having people with mental illness as neighbors, predicting “the downfall of North Canton” and “a drain on city services,” presumably police. Have they seen the studies that disperse the stereotypes about mental illness and violence? Would they object to having a military veteran who is mentally ill as a neighbor? Would they rather see people with mental illness living on the street, or would they just prefer that they live in someone else’s community? While few people would consciously turn their backs on military veterans, why would they feel any less worry for the well-being of others with mental illness? Because stereotypes and stigmas die hard.

Mentor Schools team to form student mental health Maintain groups

The National Alliance on Mental Illness and Adviser High School has joined to form two new support groups for students impacted by mental illness. This is the first time an Ohio high school and a NAMI chapter have partnered on a school-based support group for students, officials said. “E!” maintains group is for students who have a diagnosed mental illness. The group’s name stands for empowerment.


The “Pillars of Strength” support group is for students who have a friend or family member with a Mental health. Christi Farmer of NAMI and Christie Graf, school social worker for Mentor Schools, will facilitate the support groups. “We’re thrilled to be able to collaborate with the school on this project,” Farmer said. “The high school years can be tense for any student. “When you add a mental illness to the list of stressors, that can take things to a complete new level.”

Advocates rally for SC mental health subsidy

Advocates from across South Carolina are rallying for enhanced mental health treatment in the face of budget cuts. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is helping coordinate a rally on Wednesday at the Statehouse in Columbia. Organizers say they're trying to draw attention to funding for mental health treatment in South Carolina. NAMI says mental illness affects about one sector of South Carolinians during a year.

Create consciousness on mental health

Infosys mentor Narayana Murthy today urged India''s premier mental health institution NIMHANS to play a lively role in disseminating information on mental health and illness and to help eliminate the fear and stigma associated with it. Speaking at a function to mark NIMHANS (National Institutte of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences) 37th year, he said the institute should carry out an awareness campaign to help people realise that such illnesses could be treated. He also strongly advocated use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions to take mental health care to the rustic masses.

'We obtain crazy'upsets mental health advocates

Mental health care advocates say a high school dance custom called "We Get Crazy" is disturbing and insensitive. Waunakee's High School's varsity dance team had costumes that resembled straitjackets with the words "Psych Ward." The dancers messed their hair, put on black eye structure and snarled through their routine. It was too much for advocates for the mentally ill. Wisconsin Family Ties executive director Hugh Davis says the routine evokes painful memories for some. The team's coach, Erin Cotter, says she's taken back by the reaction to the hip-hop routine. Cotter says the aim was to get fans energized; it wasn't about mental illness.

Smoking pan speeds mental illness

CANNABIS can speed up the appearance of psychotic illness, an innovative Australian study has found. Dr Matthew Large, a staff specialist in Mental health from the University of New South Wales and the Prince of Wales Hospital, said the risks are especially high for younger people, whose brains are still developing. For young people who smoke cannabis regularly, in its place of having about a 1% chance of developing schizophrenia during their lifetime, they would end up with something like a 5% chance of developing schizophrenia, said Dr Large.

His research, that pulled together information on 20,000 patients and drew on more than 80 international studies, is published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry. The study has again prompted drug experts to call for regulation, not prohibition, of marijuana. With about 33% of the Australian population and 18% of secondary school students using the drug, in a few years there would be more Australians smoking cannabis than smoking tobacco, said Dr Alex Wodak, the director of the Alcohol and Drug Service at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital and head of the Australian Drug Law restructuring Foundation. He recently said he believed the time was right for an audition of a hash coffee shop in the community of Nimbin.

Flouting the silence about mental illness

Niagara women will meet to break the silence about mental illness. The Canadian Mental Health Association – Niagara Branch, in partnership with national sponsor Shoppers Drug Mart, is hosting a fundraiser to help dispel myths and create hope for the one in five Canadians who suffer from despair or other brain-based illnesses.

Women & Wellness – Real Life Transformations takes place Thursday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. at the DSBN Education Centre, 191 Carlton St. Catharines. Donations received at the event will help continue the TAMI (Talking About Mental Illness) program for Niagara teens, and help with a number of educational and support programs for people dealing with aspects of mental illness.

Ottawa women seek to nullify stigma of mental illness

Two Ottawa women have launched a city-wide mental health awareness crusade to break the stigma associated with mental illness. Laura Kidd, 19, and Riley Grace, 21, have created a video that tells their personal stories of trade with mental illness in their families as part of the Royal Ottawa Hospital's "You Know Who I am" video contest.

Their video was inspired, in part, by the catastrophic suicide of 14-year-old Daron Richardson. The daughter of Ottawa Senators' coach Luke Richardson took her own life in November. Heather Badenoch, spokeswoman for the hospital, said the videos produced for the contest have helped many people in the area. "We hear from people that say family members or they themselves have gotten help because of the campaign," she said. "It makes people realize mental illness has come out of the dark shadows and onto the facade page."

Real Madrid Star Cristiano Ronaldo anguish from Mental Illness

Last weekend, Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Osasuna’s Pandiani were at the centre of a heated dispute. The Portuguese winger, who couldn’t stand provocation from Pamplona’s embarrassing atmosphere, mocked Pandiani as he questioned the amount of his salary. Cristiano Ronaldo, who earns around £200,000 a week, also voiced out his frustration at Real Madrid’s unfortunate 1-0 loss against Osasuna which put them 7 points behind Barcelona. CR7 blamed his distraction on “constant fouls and more balls than are normally allowed on the field” – something which made the match look likes a “naval battle” according to the former Ballon d’Or winner.

But Osasuna players haven’t been impressed by Cristiano Ronaldo’s attitude at all. The Real Madrid star turns 26 on Saturday and Pandiani has asked him to grow up by following the example of his rival and El Clasico expert Lionel Messi. “Cristiano Ronaldo must be more humble. He has a screw loose. He should learn from Lionel Messi and lose his cocky attitude. “He creates problems every week that should normally be penalised. Real Madrid are paying for his cocky attitude.” Now while the controversial winger claims that he is not bothered by criticism, Osasuna’s Pandiani also claims that Cristiano Ronaldo may well be suffering from mental illness. What a response to CR7's provocative salary taunt!

Northern Ireland mental illness levels at all-time elevated

Northern Ireland has one of the highest incidences of Mental illness in the developed world, it has emerged. Mental nervousness costs the economy here £380m a year. The new findings were |unveiled at the launch of the University of Ulster’s groundbreaking new Centre for Study of Mental Health in Londonderry yesterday. The centre has been named after the late Professor David Bamford, who carried out a wide-ranging review into mental health services in 2002, and will co-ordinate the work of 40 scholastic and post-graduate students. Professor Brendan Bunting, director of the new Bamford Centre, revealed that a study |by the centre’s academics involving detailed interviews with 4,300 members of the public in Northern Ireland establish that many people were waiting 20 years before seeking help.

One of the main findings was that in any 12-month period |in Northern Ireland one in |four people displayed symptoms of mental health circumstances. The bill for treating anxiety, which now affects 15% of people here, stands at £95m. Professor Bunting said: “People with depression were among the most likely to seek treatment early, waiting on average a year, although over 25% of individuals in this category waited 10 years or more before seeking treatment. “However, those with nervousness disorders waited on average 20 years before asking for help. Individuals with substance disorders waited on average 15 years.” Levels of mental illness were 25% higher here than in Britain, while subsidy was 25% less.

Mental illness is topic of conversation

The program will focus on efforts to decrease the stigma surrounding mental illness. The specific focus will surround a national campaign called BringChange2Mind, created by actress Glenn Close. Glenn's sister, Jessie, has bipolar disorder and her nephew has schizophrenia. This prompted Glenn to launch an enormous mental illness anti-stigma campaign in 2009.

The mission of the campaign is twofold:
1. Provide people who have misconceptions about mental illness quick and easy contact to information that combats stigma, and
2. Provide people who have mental illness and those who know them, quick and easy way in to information and support.
Several short videos will be aired featuring people who have mental illnesses and these will be interspersed with an opportunity for conversation. Many local mental health professionals will be in attendance to answer questions. Area mental health resources will also be discussed and available as contributions.

Mental fitness specialists for govt hospitals in 3 months

The state government will assign specialists to treat patients with mental illnesses at all government hospitals in three months’ time. The government made a submission to this effect on Monday, while a case relating to the shortage of specialists in this discipline was being heard in the Karnatakahigh court. A petition contending that there were no specialists to treat the mentally ill at government hospitals came up for audible range before the division bench of the high court, headed by Justice N Kumar.

The government counsel said the state would take three months to finish the procedure of recruitment of specialists in government hospitals. The government advice added that a new director would be appointed at the Dharwad Institute of Mental Disorder Sciences in a fortnight. On January 20, the high court had sought a report from the state government regarding distribution of medicines to those suffering from mental illness, undergoing treatment at government hospitals. The partition bench has adjourned the case to February 23.

Government 'to expend £400m on mental health'

The government is planning to spend a large sum of money on tackling mental health problems in the UK, aiming to get additional people back to work. The government is to spend £400 million on tackling the way mental health is treated on the NHS, according to reports. Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg is to announce the move in the new few days, which aims to end the stigma surrounding mental health, treating it as equal to physical sickness or injury.

One target is to "cure" up to one million wounded in the next four years, in an effort to get those signed off work for mental health issues back in jobs. There will also be an emphasis on ending the "Prozac nation", in which doctors apparently just prescribe pills to patients with a variety of different conditions. This comes after findings reported by the Alzheimer's Society said that a quarter of a million individuals with dementia are being let down by their home care. Fifty per cent of carers claimed the patient was not receiving sufficient care and support.

Sleeping disorders guide to Mental Health Problems

Sleep is essential to our health and to the normality of our lifestyle. Many of us love to sleep and expend a lot of time doing that. But what most people do not know is that sleep is indeed important for our mental and physical health. Most surely you have felt bad or without being able to concentrate on certain things after having lost a night’s sleep at a party or if you had been unable to fall asleep. Sleep depravation ca have serious effects on people’s mental health causing them many time to actually fall apart.

A modern report published by the Mental Health Foundation in UK emphasizes all these facts. Sleep is important in our every day life if we want to maintain a relationship, if we want to professionally handle our job or if we want to normally interact with others. Insomnia represents a major health issue affecting in time every segment of our life. The percentage of those suffering from insomnia in UK alone is of 30, which represents fairly a large one. Sleeping disorders have been linked to people’s inability to have a good relationship, to do well at their work site or to form social relationships with others. A survey taken by almost 7,000 people showed that those with sleeping problems are four times more prone to having relationship problems, three times more level to lack of concentration and depression.

Medicine helps patients with mental illness stop smoking

The medication varenicline may be of particular advantage in helping patients with mental illness to stop smoking, researchers have found. According to background information supplied by the researchers, varenicline reduces symptoms of withdrawal and also reduces the reinforcement received from nicotine while smoking. Against that background, a total of 22 patients were randomly assigned to receive either varenicline or placebo for three weeks. The patients underwent functional magnetic timbre imaging scans before and after the treatment period, during which they viewed short video-clips, which included scenes that involved smoking and scenes that did not. In scans performed before treatment, the viewing of smoking cues activated brain areas known as the ventral striatum and medial orbitofrontal cortex and also elicited reports of cravings, whereas the viewing of impartial cues did not.

After the treatment period, similar patterns persisted in patients who had taken placebo, whereas those treated with varenicline experienced a decrease in both brain activity and reported cravings in response to smoking cues. In a scan taken while the individuals were at rest before viewing the videos, participants who took varenicline showed a greater activation in the brain area known as tangential orbitofrontal cortex than did those who took placebo. Increased activation in this area predicted a blunted response in the medial orbitofrontal cortex when the smoking cues were shown. “The results of our study reveal a distinctive new action of varenicline that may contribute to its clinical efficacy,” the authors concluded. “Unsuccessful smoking cessation is more widespread in individuals with psychiatric illness, suggesting that they have greater difficulty quitting.

NAMI free course dealing with mental illness

The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) will be submission a free 12-week course for families coping with mental illness. The Family-to-Family Education program is for people who have a close family member with a serious mental illness. Sponsored by NAMI, the program is facilitated by a team of trained family members who know what it’s like to have a loved one who is afflicted. The next Family-to-Family course will be offered on Tuesday, Feb. 1, at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, situated at 5200 Fannin.

The program will give current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders, as well as up-to-date information about medications, side effects and strategies for medication adherence. Additionally, those who attend will learn, among other things, the current research related to the biology of brain disorders, the most effective treatments to promote recovery, problem solving, listening and communication techniques, strategies for handling crises and relapse, and guidance on locating appropriate support and services within the community. All instruction and course supplies are free to class participants.