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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

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is February 26 - March 3, 2024. Eating disorders are serious medical illnesses marked by severe disturbances in a  person’s eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. 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 toolkit: Eating Disorders Awareness Week 
• Digital shareables: Eating disorders  
• Health topic: Eating disorders 
• Additional resources available en español

Share this message on social media

It's Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Help @NIMHgov raise awareness about eating disorders by sharing informational materials based on the latest research. Share science. Share hope. https://go.nih.gov/baiaF4Q #EDAW #shareNIMH

Let's Talk About Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious medical illnesses, and how we talk about them matters. Here are some facts from @NIMHgov that you can use to help shape the conversation around eating disorders. https://go.nih.gov/J0xndDq #EDAW En español: Hablemos de los trastornos de la alimentación

Eating Disorders: About More Than Food

This brochure provides information about eating disorders, including risk factors, common types, symptoms, treatment options, and resources to find help. 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

Life Beyond Anorexia Nervosa 

By age 10, it was clear that Kristina Saffran would have a bright future. She was intelligent, outgoing, and active in soccer. Then, a routine conversation derailed her life. Saffran’s babysitter was going on a diet. Already athletic, Saffran didn’t want to change her looks; she was just a child who admired the older girl and followed suit. Within a couple of months, she lost a significant amount of weight. Her parents brought her to a doctor, and her diagnosis was immediate: anorexia nervosa. Saffran's story is part of NIMH's special 75th Anniversary series featuring the experiences of people living with mental illnesses.

February is American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month. Stress is the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as a performance at school, traumatic events, or a life change. Everyone feels stress occasionally, but too much stress can affect your health—including your heart. 

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. 

Share this message on social media

This American #HeartMonth, it’s important to pay attention to how you deal with minor and major stressors so you know when to seek help. Learn more at: go.nih.gov/HquCqkQ. #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 at go.nih.gov/SU0s3Fb. #shareNIMH En español: Las enfermedades crónicas y la salud mental: Cómo reconocer y tratar la depresión

GREAT: Helpful Practices to Manage Stress and Anxiety

Be GREAT! Use these helpful practices to manage stress and anxiety. Get more tips and resources to help take care of your mental health at nimh.nih.gov/mymentalhealth. #shareNIMH

FEATURED RESOURCES

Spanish-language brochure: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo: Cuando los pensamientos no deseados o comportamientos repetitivos toman control

Este folleto proporciona información sobre el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo, incluidos los signos y los síntomas, las causas y las opciones de tratamiento, entre ellas, la psicoterapia y medicación. This brochure provides information on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), including signs and symptoms, causes, and treatment options such as psychotherapy and medication.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• February 8 and February 12: Workshop: Advancing the Science on Peer Support and Suicide Prevention
• Scientists Unveil Complete Cell Map of a Whole Mammalian Brain
• Magnetic Seizure Therapy as Effective as Electroconvulsive Therapy for Treating Depression
• Disparities in Psychotic Disorder Diagnoses and Other Negative Health Outcomes
• Using Games to Explore the Mind

Learn More

Clinical Trial Opportunities

Science News

Mental Health Information

Pass it on!

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