Mental Health | Advocating for Better Mental Health

Focusing on Minority Mental Health Issues

It’s unfortunate but true that people in several minority groups often experience higher rates of mental health issues, are less likely to seek mental health treatment, have more difficulty receiving appropriate care, and have higher rates of suicide. Since July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, I took a quick look around the web and rounded up several interesting resources about minority mental health issues. I’ve broken them into three categories: Overviews that frame the major problems in minority mental health …

Lessons Learned from Mariah Carey’s Struggle with Bipolar Disorder

by David Susman

It was big news when pop megastar Mariah Carey recently disclosed that she has been dealing with bipolar disorder since being diagnosed in 2001. In an interview with People magazine, Carey said she is diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. (Bipolar II is a less severe form of the disorder than bipolar I disorder. While both forms of the illness are characterized by mood swings including bouts of severe depression, in bipolar II, the periods of elevated mood are called hypomania, …

Great Mental Health Awareness Events to Put on Your Calendar

by David Susman

It’s likely that you’re familiar with some of the annual events which raise awareness for health conditions such as breast cancer, heart disease or diabetes. But how much do you know about the many great programs which recognize a variety of issues related to mental and emotional health each year? The following list covers selected annual observances which strive to increase awareness, provide information and offer resources for various mental health issues and conditions, as well as a few which …

10 Great Films About Mental Illness and Addiction

by David Susman

Since I’m a clinical psychologist, I’m often asked, “What are your favorite films about mental illness?” I’ve certainly seen many, many films over the years which depict various mental illnesses and addictions, and they range in quality from wonderful to horrible. The worst films perpetuate common myths and misperceptions about mental illness, including: People with mental illness are violent. Parents cause mental illness in their children. Psychiatric hospitals are dangerous, scary places filled with sadistic, uncaring staff. Strait jackets are …

Q & A on Mental Health!

by David Susman

For the second year in a row, I was asked to be interviewed by Melanie Luxenberg, a mental health advocate and writer, who blogs for the International Bipolar Foundation. In recognition of Mental Health Week in Canada and Mental Health Awareness Month in the US, Melanie asked me to respond to several questions about stigma, self-care, mental health apps, and more. With Melanie’s permission, I’m reprinting her interview with me below, or you can link to the original blog post …

8 ‘Rules of the Road’ for Better Mental Health

by David Susman

I drive to and from work several days per week and I have well over a half million miles as a driver under my belt since learning to drive as a teenager. Over the years, I’ve certainly seen my share of both good and bad driving behaviors. And yes, I’ve been in a handful of minor fender-benders (and that one time when I almost drove up under an eighteen-wheeler on the interstate). Lately, for whatever reason, I’ve become more aware …

Focusing on Minority Mental Health Issues

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Lessons Learned from Mariah Carey’s Struggle with Bipolar Disorder

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Great Mental Health Awareness Events to Put on Your Calendar

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10 Great Films About Mental Illness and Addiction

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Q & A on Mental Health!

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8 ‘Rules of the Road’ for Better Mental Health

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