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 our Get Involved web section 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 13-19

Brain Awareness Week is a nationwide effort to promote enthusiasm and support for brain science. Download and share these NIMH resources to help educate the public and inspire the next generation of scientists!

The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know fact sheet 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 teen sleep patterns. En español: El cerebro de los adolescentes: 7 cosas que usted debe saber.

Get to Know Your Brain The brain is an incredible and complex organ! It helps us think, learn, create, and feel emotions and controls every blink, breath, and heartbeat. This video explores the parts of the brain and what each area helps control.

Get Excited About the Brain! Coloring and Activity Book This science education activity book for children ages 8-12 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!  En español: ¡El emocionante mundo del cerebro!

Check out NIMH's Science Education section to find additional resources and activities created by NIMH to help you share the excitement of brain research with your community!

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It's Brain Awareness Week! Did you know that big and important changes happen in the brain during adolescence? Download a free copy of the “Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know” fact sheet: http://nimh.nih.gov/teenbrain/ #shareNIMH #BAW23

World Bipolar Day is March 30

For World Bipolar Day, NIMH has information about bipolar disorder and additional publications to share with people in your community. You can also download and share social media graphics and messages from the Bipolar Disorder Digital Shareables page. 

Livestream event:

Join NIMH on Thursday, March 30 from 1:00–1:30 p.m. ET for a Facebook Live event on bipolar disorder in adults. NIMH experts will discuss the signs and symptoms, risk factors, treatments, and the latest NIMH-supported research in this area.

Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens This brochure provides information about bipolar disorder in children and teens including its causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how to help and support a child or teen with bipolar disorder. En español: El trastorno bipolar en los niños y los adolescentes

Bipolar Disorder This brochure presents information on bipolar disorder, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and resources to find help for yourself or others. En español: Trastorno bipolar

Tweet or share this message on social media

People with bipolar disorder experience unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Proper treatment can lead to better functioning and improved quality of life. nimh.nih.gov/bipolardisorder #shareNIMH   #WorldBipolarDay

FEATURED RESOURCES

Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders

A substance use disorder (SUD) affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control their use of substances, such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. People who experience a substance use disorder (SUD) may also experience a co-occurring mental disorder such as anxiety or depression. 

Learn more about substance use disorder and mental co-occurring mental disorders, and if you or someone you know is struggling, learn how to find help for mental illnesses. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Research Highlight: COVID-19 Pandemic Associated With Worse Mental Health and Accelerated Brain Development in Adolescents
• Research Highlight: Attention to Geometric Images May Offer Biomarker for Some Toddlers with Autism
• March 7: NIMH Intramural Research Program Training Opportunities

Learn More

Pass it on!

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