Mental Health Association of Southwestern New Jersey

The MHASWNJ works to create a community where individuals with mental illness can live and participate to their fullest potential. We pursue our mission through advocacy, education and training, and supportive services.

Did You Know?

The American Medical Association describes mental illness as the nation's number one health problem. It sends more people to the hospitals than cancer, lung and heart disease combined.

More than 54 million Americans (1 in 5) have a mental disorder in a given year, but only 8 million (16%) seek treatment.

Up to half of all visits to primary care physicians are due to conditions caused or exacerbated by psychiatric or emotional problems.

One in five children has a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavior disorder.

Thirty thousand Americans commit suicide each year and 500,000 Americans attempt suicide annually.

Each year, depression costs the U.S. economy $43.7 billion, including the $31.3 billion for indirect costs such as decreased productivity & lost work days.

Fifty percent of the morality from the 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. can be attributed to behavioral factors, including stress

With proper & adequate treatment, most people who suffer with a psychiatric disability can recover

Mental Health America's S.T.A.R. Program
Mental Health America is proud to partner with the legendary singer Connie Francis on an important new national campaign-S.T.A.R. (Stress, Treatment, Awareness, and Recovery).

The purpose is to educate and inform the public and health professionals about the impact of trauma and the importance of Trauma-Informed Care.

This campaign is not about being a star, but rather, shining a light on what we know about trauma as well as supporting those in need.

Stress
We often talk about stress in our life. We all have it. But there is a much more serious stress-loss of a job, living in a situation where you feel helpless or hopeless; a difficult life situation that you can't conquer or even manage. Those experiences can put in motion what is known as toxic stress; where it builds and overcomes you and can cause you to become ill.

Trauma
According to the American Psychological Association (APA) Trauma is defined as an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster. Shock and denial are typical responses immediately following the event. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms such as headaches or nausea.

Experiencing a traumatic event is a very serious situation. We know about our vets serving here and abroad. But many other people experience similar trauma but in different situations. If untreated, trauma can damage a person's physical and emotional health. It can lead to addiction, severe mental illness, and may other very harmful consequences. The earlier in life the traumatic event happens, the more harmful it is.

Treatment, Awareness and Recovery
That's where the recovery comes in. Just as we know more about conditions, we also know more about treatment options. In particular, there is a new generation of care called Trauma-Informed Care. Trauma informed care asks "What happened to you?" rather than "What's wrong with you?" It puts control back in the hands of the traumatized person so that they can feel safe again. It encourages people to talk about their trauma in their own time and in their own way. Staff who are trained in the delivery of this kind of care know that they have to earn the trust of their clients because they may not trust anyone after experiencing a traumatic event.

Resources
•In Crisis? 1-800-273-TALK

•Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) facts
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/ptsd

•Trauma Groups - Online and Offline
http://www.giftfromwithin.org/html/groups.html
•Support Groups
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/help/finding-help/%20/go/help/finding-help/find-treatment/find-support-groups/find-support-groups

•Trauma Recovery Guidelines (PDF)
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/emergencyresponse/Trauma_guidelines.pdf

•Real Lives story of a trauma survivor
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/reallives/index.cfm/2008/12/15/Working-through-loss-trauma-and-abuse

Mental Health America
2000 N. Beauregard Street, 6th Floor Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone (703) 684-7722
Toll free (800) 969-6642
Fax (703) 684-5968

© 2010 Mental Health America | formerly known as the National Mental Health Association.