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 Mental Health Awareness Month also comes to The United States via the Mental Health America organization. During this month, National Health America runs a number of activities which are based on a different theme each year.

In 2010, the theme was 'Live Your Life Well'. 'Live Your Life Well' was a theme designed to encourage people to take responsibility for the prevention of mental health issues during times of personal challenge and stress. The message was to inform the public that many mental health problems could be avoided by striving toward and making positive lifestyle choices in the ways we act and think.

The theme for the 2014 Mental Health Awareness month is “Mind Your Health.” A focus of this years theme is to create a motivational effort that will put toward the goal of building public recognition in regards to the importance of mental health and to the overall health and wellness of those around us. The association hopes to inform United States citizens of the connection between the mind and body; and intends to provide advice, tips and strategies that will encourage people to take positive actions and protective measures for one’s own mental health, and whole body health.

The American Mental Health Association will be providing a tool kit including the following items in an electronic format to distribute. It will be available starting in the week of March 30th to April 5th. The toolkit will include: Media Materials •        Key Messages •        Swiss Cheese Press Release •        Drop-in Article •        Sample Mayoral Proclamation •        Twitter and Facebook posts to use Marketing Materials •        Logo •        Facebook cover photos •        Banner Ad/Button Pub Ed Materials •        Fact Sheets (titles are not final) o  Alcohol Use and Abuse o  Building Social Support o  4 Supplements Used for Mental Health o  Healthy Eating with Mental Health in Mind o  Getting Help (signs help is needed, types of providers, etc.) o  Stress o  Exercise, Rest and Relaxation

Mental Health America is not the only organization to run campaigns throughout May. Many other similar organizations choose to coincide with Mental Health Awareness month. National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is one such campaign. This event is sponsored by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Many other months are also recognized for similar mental health awareness programs. For a list of some in America click here: http://www.whathealth.com/awareness/event/nationalmentalhealthmonth.html

See also: the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Mental Health America

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