Mental Health in the Headlines: Week of June 8, 2009
Mental Health in the Headlines offers summaries of the latest news and views in the mental health field. Coverage of news items in this publication does not represent Mental Health America's support for or opposition to the stories summarized or the views they express.
*DID YOU KNOW?
Preventative group programs that teach problem-solving skills to teenagers who have a high-risk of developing depression can reduce that risk…more
*TODAY’S NEWS
Obama To Play Greater Role on Health Care
President Obama will play a greater role in pushing for legislation to reform the nation’s health care system. He plans to make more speeches, hold town-hall style meetings and will have greater engagement with lawmakers. He will also push a government-run insurance plan to compete with the private sector. (The New York Times, 6/07/09)
Report Finds Alcohol Substance Use Remains Steady
A new report on substance abuse and mental health find that a small percentage of Americans are quitting smoking while alcohol and substance abuse remains steady. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report find that while all states have problems, there are significant differences across the U.S. In states where people reported having a perception of great risk about substance abuse, the problem is more often reported at lower levels than in states where risk is not as great a concern, according to the study, based on the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. (US News & World Report, 6/05/09)
Joint Chiefs Chair Says Troops Mental Health Must Be Priority
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said last week that the military lacks the number of mental health professionals necessary to help returning or soon-to-deployed troops deal with the high stress of war. Adm. Michael G. Mullen said he's working to get more money to increase the number of counselors so more soldiers can be helped. Defense Department officials say 64 soldiers have committed or are suspected of having committed suicide this year in the Army alone. That puts it on a pace to break last year's record of 133. The issue came to a head last week as Fort Campbell in Kentucky stood down for a three-day suicide prevention event after 11 soldiers there committed suicide this year. (CNN, 6/02/09)
Latest Research
Frequent Moves Increase Suicide Risk in Teens: Recent studies have shown that there may be a correlation between frequent mobility and teen suicide. A study conducted in Denmark suggests that teens and pre-teens that have moved often have higher rates of suicide than those who have not. While previous research had found some relation between moving and mental health in children, the recent study went further looking at actual medical records. The study also found that adolescents who had moved six or more times were three times more likely to possess suicidal behaviors than those who had moved less often. (The New York Times, 6/1/09)
Study Clarifies A Depression Risk: Preventative group programs that teach problem-solving skills to teenagers who have a high-risk of developing depression can reduce that risk, a recent clinical trial shows. The program proved to be much more effective than standard care; however, the success is also dependant on the mental health status of the teenager’s parent at the initiation of the program. One-third of teens in the regular care developed depression during the trial, while only 21 percent of those in the program became depressed. (The New York Times, 6/2/09)
Good Mood Can Run a Long Time After Workout: Moderate exercise may lead to a happy day, a recent study shows. It has long been recognized that moderate exercise can cause mood improvement; however a study at the University of Vermont shows that better moods can be sustained up to 12 hours after the exercise is over. The study also showed that after 24 hours there was no difference in mood. (USA Today 6/2/09)
HEADLINES at Mental Health America
Mental Health America’s Centennial Conference Begins June 10: Leading mental health advocates and political, medical and policy experts, including Mrs. Tipper Gore, George Stephanopoulos, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Richard Gephardt, will address the changes and challenges ahead for the mental health field at Mental Health America's Centennial Conference, June 10-13, in Washington, D.C.
Mental Health America Presents Comments on Implementation of Parity Law: Mental Health America called on federal agencies to recognize the protective intent of the law in implementing the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. “In enacting the (the law) Congress made clear that the goal of this new law was to remedy the long history of employers and insurers not providing comparable coverage for mental health and substance use conditions compared to medical and surgical benefits. In order to achieve this goal, the implementing regulations must reflect the patient/consumer focus and protective intent of the law and ensure access to a meaningful range of evidence-based interventions.”
*Mental Health America MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
According to Mental Health America, "around 80 percent of new mothers experience some symptoms of postpartum depression and/or anxiety at some point during the first year after their baby is born. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, or become severe, new moms are advised to seek help. Evansville Courier & Press, “New group reaches out to moms with postpartum depression,” June 8, 2009
According to a study by Mental Health America, "presenteeism" costs more than $200 billion annually in the U.S. For a business, this might mean giving up 5 to 12% of its workforce's productivity each day. Regence, in partnership with Reliant Behavioral Health, is offering its group members an Employee Assistance Program as an option for benefit plans to give employees and employers tools to resolve their problems before they reach a crisis that lessens productivity and ultimately impacts the bottom line. PR Newswire, “Economy Makes Employee Assistance Programs More Important Than Ever,” June 2, 2009
Stay Up to Date With More News, Views and Tools
- Register Today for Mental Health America’s Centennial Conference, June 10-13, 2009 in Washington, D.C. For information about speakers, the agenda and how to register, visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/conference
- Mental Health America’s 2009 Media Awards to honor excellence in reporting of mental health issues
- Survey reveals obstacles to health care for people who have schizophrenia
- New report reveals link between states’ depression status and access to treatment
- Donate to our Resource Center and help save lives
- Share your story on realLIVES
- Join Mental Health America’s Advocacy Network
- Check out previous issues of Mental Health in the Headlines
Mental Health in the Headlines is produced weekly by Mental Health America. Mental Health America's Mental Health in the Headlines staff: Steve Vetzner, senior director, Media Relation and Sarah Jones, communications coordinator.
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