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

Eating Disorders Awareness Week 

February 28 - March 5, 2022 is Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Eating disorders are serious medical illnesses marked by severe disturbances to a person’s eating behaviors. These disorders can affect a person’s physical and mental health; in some cases, they can be life-threatening. But eating disorders can be treated. 

Learn more about eating disorders: 

• Digital shareable resources on eating disorders  
• Health topic: Eating disorders 
• Additional resources available en español

Eating Disorders: About More Than Food This brochure provides information about eating disorders including who is at risk, common types of eating disorders and the symptoms of each, treatment options, and resources to find help for yourself or someone else. En español: Los trastornos de la alimentación: Un problema que va más allá de la comida

Mental Health Minute: Eating Disorders Got 60 seconds? Take a mental health minute to learn about eating disorders. For more information on eating disorders, visit: www.nimh.nih.gov/eatingdisorders #ShareNIMH

Let's Talk About Eating Disorders Eating disorders are serious medical illnesses, and the way we talk about them matters. Here are some facts you can use to help shape the conversation around eating disorders. https://go.usa.gov/xdabj #shareNIMH En español:Hablemos de los trastornos de la alimentación

February is American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month. Stress is the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as having a lot of homework or having a chronic illness. Stress can cause reactions such as high blood pressure and rapid heart rate, which could contribute to heart disease.

For American Heart Month, learn more about managing stress and anxiety and get tips for Caring for Your Mental Health to help protect your overall health. 

Everyone feels stressed from time to time. What is stress? How does it affect your health? And what can you do to manage your stress? Here are 5 things you should know about stress: https://go.usa.gov/xvxSF. #shareNIMH

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 En español: Las enfermedades crónicas y la salud mental: Cómo reconocer y tratar la depresión

FEATURED RESOURCES

Videos on Participating in a Clinical Trial

NIMH created a series of patient-friendly videos about clinical research and what it's like to participate in a clinical trial. These videos are available on the NIMH YouTube channel. 

What is informed consent?  This brief video introduces potential clinical research participants to the informed consent document and what informed consent means when participating in a clinical trial. Learn more at https://youtu.be/y7BCOolGVcM

NIMH Women Leading Mental Health Research

Diversity in the scientific workforce enhances excellence, creativity, and innovation. NIMH and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are committed to increasing diversity in the scientific workforce. Learn more about early-career women scientists whose NIMH-funded research is playing a role in advancing our mission of transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Research Highlight: Understanding the Characteristics of Suicide in Young Children

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!