May is National Mental Health Month: Center Joins Observance of 'Mind Your Health'

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May is National Mental Health Month: Center Joins
Observance of 'Mind Your Health'

May 20, 2006

The Carter Center joins with the National Mental Health Association and other mental health partners in observing Mental Health Month during May 2006. This year, which marks more than five decades of celebration, the observance focuses on the mind-body connection through the promotion of mental wellness and overall health for all Americans, regardless of age or background.

On May 19, The Carter Center held the 11th Annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum, focusing on The Georgia Gap Analysis: Building an Action Agenda. Read more about the Forum.

In addition, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and the Center's Mental Health Program Director, Dr. Thom Bornemann, are featured on WebMD's archived webcasts. Painting a Picture of Health, examines the role of art in mental health while archived transcripts of previous webcasts are also available. Read more about the Center's Mental Health Program.
With more than 19 million Americans affected by anxiety disorders each year, and in wake of the unprecedented, devastating blow of Hurricane Katrina, ensuring mental wellness is more crucial than ever, according to the National Mental Health Association. Mental Health Month provides an excellent opportunity to educate Americans on managing their positive mental health, encouraging individuals to balance both mind and body.
Go to the National Mental Health Association Web site to learn more and for mental health tips and suggestions to help all Americans achieve physical and mental well-being. Or, for more information on May is Mental Health Awareness Month, call 1-800-969-6642.

Mental Health in America: WebMD
Rosalynn Carter has spent more than 30 years speaking out for a greater understanding of mental health issues. Watch Painting a Picture of Health with Mrs. Carter on WebMD.

In addition, archived WebMD webcast transcripts are available, with Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and Dr. Thom Bornemann – Carter Center mental health experts – answering questions about mental health discrimination.

Thomas H. Bornemann

Rosalynn Carter

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The theme of this year's mental health month, Mind Your Health, focuses our attention on the crucial importance of the integration of mental and physical health. It is estimated that 50 to 70 percent of primary care visits have a mental health-related concern and mental health disorders rank second to cardiovascular illness as the leading cause of disability worldwide. Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments for mental disorders, many patients and families do not receive effective services. More must be done to reduce the barriers to receiving effective treatments.