Community Outreach

Discover NIMH is a newsletter from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to help community advocates and health professionals raise awareness about mental disorders and the importance of mental health research. Find free education and outreach materials in this newsletter and on our Education and Awareness portal to share with your community. We encourage you to use the hashtag #shareNIMH to connect with people and organizations with similar goals. 

NEWS AND EVENTS

Brain Awareness Week is March 15-21

Brain Awareness Week is a nationwide effort to promote enthusiasm and support for brain science. Join NIMH and the National Museum of Health and Medicine for a virtual Brain Awareness Day program on Friday, March 19!

NIMH has resources and activities available to help you share the excitement of brain research with your community! 

The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know This fact sheet outlines how a teenager’s brain grows, matures, and adapts to the world. It also presents information on the teen brain’s resiliency, vulnerability to stress and mental health conditions, and sleep patterns in teens.

I'm So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet This fact sheet provides information on the differences and similarities between stress and anxiety, why it's important to manage stress and anxiety, and tips for coping. The fact sheet also includes additional resources and information about when it might be time to talk to a professional.

Build Your Own Stress Catcher Life can get challenging sometimes, and it’s important for kids (and adults!) to develop strategies for coping with stress or anxiety. Share this free, downloadable stress catcher “fortune teller,” which offers some strategies children and teens can practice and use to help manage stress and other difficult emotions.

Get Excited About the Brain! Coloring and Activity Book This science education activity book intended for children ages 8-12 years old helps them learn facts about the brain through games and puzzles about brain science and research.  Download the PDF or order your free print copy today!

FEATURED RESOURCES

What are Clinical Trials? 

Clinical research trials are at the heart of all medical advances. Researchers enroll women, men, and children in clinical trials to test new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. 

Share this new video from NIMH to help educate the public about the purpose and importance of clinical trials. 

Research is our best hope for understanding and treating mental illnesses. Watch this video to learn more about what clinical trials are and why they're so important. https://youtu.be/lJOQB_G15Jc #shareNIMH

My Mental Health: Do I Need Help? 

This infographic presents information about how to assess your mental health and determine if you need help. It provides examples of mild and severe symptoms, as well as self-care activities and options for seeking out professional help.

Do you need help with your mental health? If you don't know where to start, this new infographic may help guide you: https://go.usa.gov/xGfeS. #shareNIMH

What is Depression? New Brochure on Depression

This brochure provides information about depression, including the different types of depression, signs and symptoms, how it is diagnosed, treatment options, and how to find help for yourself or a loved one. Everyone feels sad or low sometimes, but these feelings usually pass with a little time. Depression is different. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of depression and how to find help: https://go.usa.gov/xsWhZ  #shareNIMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Today at 12:30 PM ET: NIMH Livestream Event: Let’s Talk About Eating Disorders with NIMH Grantee Dr. Cynthia Bulik
• March 18: The NIMH Director’s Innovation Speaker Series: What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City

• NIH Initiative Expands Access to Resources for Early Psychosis Treatment and Research

Learn More

Pass it on!

Do you know someone who is interested in raising awareness about mental health? Please feel free to forward this email and encourage them to subscribe to Discover NIMH!