Previous MYMH Topics

Find content from previous months below

Mind Your Mental Health is Magellan Healthcare’s educational initiative designed to raise awareness about mental health and mental illness.

March 2021—National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

The observance aims to counteract myths about substance use and addiction, while educating people about the current science on substance use. Here are some tips you should know:

Spot the signs and seek help. Only about 10 percent of people who need treatment for substance abuse in the U.S. actually receive treatment. Know the facts about substance use disorder.
Start treatment early. Mild substance use disorders can also be treated, and early intervention can prevent severe disorders later. Find out about substance use treatment programs.
Prevent relapse. Stopping substance use, whether it’s alcohol or drugs you are using, is very hard. Very few people succeed the first time they try. Learn more about developing a relapse plan.

March 2021—Stamp Out Stigma—Know the Facts

Stamp Out Stigma is highlighting the importance of mental health support. Learn more.

1 in 5 adults in America experience a mental illness.
About 17% of all people will self-harm during their lifetime.
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 6 million adult Americans.
90% of people who engage in self-harm begin during their teen or pre-adolescent years.
The average age-of-onset is about 25, but it can occur in the teens, or more uncommonly, in childhood.

February 2021—National School Counseling Week

The observance acknowledges counselors for partnering with parents in addressing the challenges of raising children in today’s world. Here are some tips you should know:

Talk with your child. If you think your child might be suffering the effects of stress, anxiety or depression, make time to talk with them. Learn more about how to ask them about their feelings.
Nurture their well-being. Encourage your child to get regular exercise, spend time with supportive friends, eat healthy foods and get enough sleep. Practice these tips.
Seek help if needed. It’s normal for a child to be moody or sad occasionally. However, if these feelings last for weeks or months, depression may be the cause. Learn more.

February 2021—Stamp Out Stigma—Know the Facts

Stamp Out Stigma is highlighting the power of kindness. Learn more.

Five random acts of kindness in a week will increase your happiness for up to three months.
When you are kind to another person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centers light up, as if you were the recipient of the good deed—not the giver.
When we give of ourselves, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly improved.
Kindness stimulates the production of serotonin. This feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy.

January 2021—National Get Organized Month

Being disorganized can cause us to lose focus and waste energy. Here are some tips to keep a disorganized home or workspace from draining you:

Assess your spaces. When you enter your work or leisure spaces, do they make you feel good and ready to achieve? Learn more about the effect your workplace can have on your mental and physical health.
Get a fresh start. Rearranging and refreshing your space can enhance your thinking and creativity. Learn more about how setting up your work area can make a difference in how you feel.
Set goals. If you’ve decided to categorize your clutter, start one zone at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed. Learn more.

January 2021—Stamp Out Stigma—Know the Facts

Stamp Out Stigma is taking the opportunity this month to bring awareness to mental health after the new year.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is estimated to affect 10 million Americans.
48% of all transgender adults report they have considered suicide in the past 12 months, compared to 4% of the overall US population
60% of people who achieve their New Year’s resolutions flop once-or more-before succeeding.
Black adults in the US are more likely than white adults to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress, such as sadness or helplessness.