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

April is Autism Awareness Month

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. ASD is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. 

For Autism Awareness Month, find statistics and more information on the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for ASD on our health topic page or download our brochure. Help raise awareness about ASD by sharing information and graphics based on the latest research.

Upcoming Events

Join the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Office of Autism Research Coordination for two special events to recognize Autism Awareness Month: 

• April 7: An Afternoon of Comedy with Asperger's Are Us
• April 28: The Federal Response to COVID-19: Addressing the Needs of the Autism and Disability Communities  

Start the Conversation about Autism 

Help raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder by sharing informational materials based on the latest research. Share science. Share hope. https://go.usa.gov/xvWBJ #shareNIMH

En español

Si bien los trastornos del espectro autista pueden durar toda la vida, los tratamientos y los servicios pueden mejorar los síntomas y la capacidad de funcionar de una persona. Visite https://go.usa.gov/xA62C para obtener más información.  #shareNIMH

World Bipolar Day is March 30

For World Bipolar Day, find additional statistics and information about bipolar disorder to share with people in your community. You can also download and share social media graphics and messages from the Bipolar Disorder Education and Awareness page. 

Join and Help Promote the NIMH Livestream Event on Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents and Young Adults

NIMH Livestream Event: Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents and Young Adults In recognition of World Bipolar Day, NIMH is hosting a livestream event on bipolar disorder in adolescents and young adults on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, from 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. ET. Join clinical psychologist and chief of the Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Interventions Research Program at NIMH, Mary Rooney, Ph.D., to learn about signs and symptoms, proper diagnosis, and treatments for bipolar disorder in adolescents and young adults. Dr. Rooney will also discuss some of the challenges that the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has presented for individuals living with bipolar disorder.

Share the Message about Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens

Bipolar disorder symptoms can make it hard for young people to perform well in school or to get along with friends and family members. Some children and teens with bipolar disorder may try to hurt themselves or attempt suicide. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xwR92 #shareNIMH

Additional Resources on Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, marked by episodes of mania and depression. Know the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder in teens and young adults: https://go.usa.gov/xdezM #shareNIMH

Bipolar Disorder brochure available in Spanish Share information about bipolar disorder with your community en español.  El trastorno bipolar es un trastorno mental que puede ser crónico o episódico (lo que significa que ocurre ocasionalmente y a intervalos irregulares). Puede ocasionar cambios inusuales, a menudo extremos y fluctuantes en el estado de ánimo, el nivel de energía y de actividad, y la concentración. Aprende más: https://go.usa.gov/xdtZj #shareNIMH

April is Minority Health Month

NIMH offers materials, graphics, and resources in English and Spanish to help raise awareness about mental health. Print materials are free and available in bulk quantities for distribution.

FEATURED RESOURCES

Chronic Illness and Mental Health: Recognizing and Treating Depression 

Depression is common among people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease. Fortunately, depression is treatable even when you have another medical illness or condition. Learn more about chronic illness and mental health: https://go.usa.gov/xsMch #shareNIMH

Depression: What You Need to Know

Everyone feels sad or low sometimes, but these feelings usually pass with a little time. Depression is different. Learn the different types of depression, signs and symptoms, how it is diagnosed, treatment options, and how to find help. https://go.usa.gov/xsdCs  #shareNIMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• NIMH Director’s Statement: Our Commitment to Ending Structural Racism in Biomedical Research
• The NIMH Director’s Innovation Speaker Series: Advancing Therapies for Central Nervous System Disorders

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!