Support Mental Health

Mark your calendars! The 1st Annual Mind Your Health 5K Run/Walk is on October 6, 2012.

Exercise is fundamental to your overall health. It can improve your mood by decreasing stress, anger, and tension. Learn more about how staying physically active can help you live your life well.

Come out and support Mental Health America in our 1st Annual 5K Run/Walk and Mind Your Health! We hope to see you there.

Registration

Registration for this event is now open! Click here to register. Please encourage your family and friends to join you. The more the merrier!

Sponsorship and Fundraising Opportunities

For more information, please visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/mindyourhealth5k.

Mental Health and Obesity

MHA staff recently conducted a review of the literature related to obesity and mental illness, synthesizing the existing research. The review focused primarily on issues related to adults but also included a brief description of childhood obesity issues. Special concerns related to individuals with serious mental illnesses were a primary focus of the review. There is an especially high prevalence of obesity among those with serious mental illnesses, which is related to excess morbidity and mortality in this population. Side effects from psychiatric medications are a major contributing factor to weight gain and obesity in this population. Treatment interventions were found to fall into one of three categories; behavioral (lifestyle change), surgery, and pharmacological. The review concludes with a discussion of the policy implications of the issue, describing policies that support the prevention, early identification, and treatment of obesity for individuals with serious mental illnesses, including several provisions of the Affordable Care Act.

• Download the PDF

• Download the Word Document

Take Action Now!

Latest Alert: Contact Your Senators: Tell Them to Protect the Prevention and Public Health Fund

Mental Health America's Advocacy Network is a powerful voice for change that is made up of thousands of individuals nationwide who take an active role in protecting America's mental health through legislative advocacy. Take Action!

For updates and progress, please view our legislative and policy resources, action alerts and Advocacy newsletters and issue updates.

Find an Affiliate

With our 240 affiliates nationwide, we represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation—everyday and in times of crisis. Our Affiliates provide:

• Direct access to a broad range of self-help and professional recovery support for people facing mental health challenges.

• Housing and supported employment for adults with severe mental illnesses or referrals to services.

• Easy access to comprehensive mental health screenings which enable individuals to identify a need for help.
  
  Find your local affiliate...