Group items tagged

From the abstract: "the current study provides a n analysis of homeless and runaway youths' attitudes towards mental health servic es in order to identify possible factors t hat can assist service providers with understanding and increasing service engagement . V ariables examined included help seeking propensity, psychological openness , concern for mental health stigma, parental maltreat ment, street victimization and services n eeds assessment. The current study also examines the relationship between social support and attitudes toward mental health services. A comparison sample of housed youth was obtained in order to de termine if mental health attitudes are unique to homeless y outh. Fifty - six youth who identified as homeless were recruited through youth drop - in centers and a shelter in Northern California , and 97 housed youth were recruited from alternative community continuation schools in the same region . A nalys is of v ariance iii showed that homeless and housed groups did not differ significant ly on attitudes toward mental health services, help seeking propensity, psychological openness, and concern for mental health stigma . Additional f indings revealed that , for homeless youth, t he more perceived friend support , the more their concern for mental health stigma decreased and the more supportive individuals available , the more positive attitudes toward mental health services and help seeking propensity increased . Comparison of correl ations between homeless and housed groups revealed only one significant difference; the association between perceived family support and help seeking propensity was strongest for the housed group than for the homeless group . Results demonstrate d that home less youth and housed youth share similar attitudes toward mental health services , help seeking propensity, psychological openness, and c o ncern for mental health stigma. Mean scores obtained on these measures were comparable to the only existing study on

Report from a conference in Wisconsin

double standard in political reporting? perpetuation of mental illness stigma

Canadian university hosts "Stop Out Stigma" week of raising awareness of mental health issues

"The Child Mind Institute, dedicated to transforming mental health care for children everywhere, is waging war against the stigma, lack of awareness, and misinformation that cause so many children to miss out on treatments that can change their lives with its second annual national public education program, Speak Up for Kids. It will be held during National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, May 6-12, 2012."

Offered at no cost to participants, the program has enhanced access to treatment, employment, and job training; reduced suicide and self-harm attempts, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, incarcerations, and homelessness; and significantly lowered health care and other mental illness-related costs.