Peer Supports, Peer Supports, Peer Supports, Peer Supports, etc...

A National Peer Certification Body and Credential with a National Peer Data Base Registry (e.g., Supports, Programs, COSP's, Projects, Initiatives).

The value of peer support as part of the Recovery process along with the increased State and federal budget allocations for such

It gives in areas other staff cannot reach

SAMHA's new definition of recovery: A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential: is quite encouraging as it recognizes the serious toll that chronic disease takes on people with a diagnosis of mental illness. People with mental illness also have higher rates of health risk behavior such as smoking and obesity. Adding health and wellness to the recovery defintion addresses the whole person and is a step along the road to holistic person-centered care.

The most noteworthy development in this area in the past several years is the growing awareness that forced drugging is a human rights abuse, and that new forms of forced drugging in the form of so called 'AOT' laws, are just as restrictive as all other forms of forced drugging and that these forced drugging practices cannot be allowed to stand in a free society.

Enough of forced drugging.

True recovery is possible for all persons labeled 'mentally ill'. Recovery is hindered by coercive, violent human rights abusing practices like AOT.

The most important changes are in the accessibility of information regarding the truth about psychiatric drugs, and the ability for survivors of electroshock who have been grievously harmed to have their voices heard in FDA hearings. Respite programs like Soteria Alaska provide healing environments where people are encouraged and empowered to take control of their lives, make their own decisions on whether or not to take medications, and find hope again; the necessary ingredient required to break out of the mental health system, which encourages disability.

The number of famous and successful people who have come out of the closet about serious mental illness has helped to reduce the stigma associated with having the disease. Studies that are showing physical causes in the brain for mental illness also help to reduce the stigma. This continues to be a huge barrier to treatment, but there has been progress.

Land mark law that gives rights to those in Maricopa County that have a Serious mental. Health diagnosis.

I've posted my idea and want feedback.

The fact of the matter is there have been great advancement in the mental health system. those posting negative responses MUST not have been in the system prior to the achievements in the last 20 years. I remember when you had no rights and no say in any matters when deemed 51/50 and put in what they called therapeutic centers . With 20 foot walls and you were held down and shot full of Thorazine.How many of you complainers went through this...? then complain. thank you SAMHSA

Erosion of mind-body dichotomies with more studies now incorporating physiologic, endocrine, immune, genetic, and/or neuro-imaging measures along with cognitive, emotional, relational, social , behavioral variables.

Focusing on what the brain does right promises protocols that highlight and utilize the unique strengths and resiliencies of people who live with mood disorders. Even without modern diagnostic criteria or treatments, Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill were extraordinary leaders. Focusing on mental "illness" perpetuates negative stereotypes and stigma. Reframing the mental health conversation through the positive psychology lens will shift our thinking and our minds.

The most noteworthy accomplishments was including the Chicago Police Department in the Crisis Intervention Training. As a member of the Chicago Police Department we encounter many individuals who suffer with mental illines and this training is helpful while performing our duties as police officers.