BUST IT (“IT” being stigma) is the youth demonstration designed to draw attention to the mental health needs of children and youth throughout the United States. The objective is to provide a “contact” experience that reinforces the fact that children’s mental health is an issue that impacts all youth in one way or another, with the longer term goal of reducing the stigma that is often associated with having a mental health need.

Studies have shown that stigma is the greatest barrier to children and youth with mental health needs and their families seeking help. BUST IT actions across the country will serve to demonstrate solidarity among children and youth who have, or are at risk of having, a mental health need.

BUST IT will take place on Awareness Day and comprise the following components:

Youth groups in all time zones across the country will conduct their BUST IT activity simultaneously on Thursday, May 7, at 1 p.m. EDT/12 p.m. CDT/11 a.m. MDT/10 a.m. PDT.

BUST IT will begin with groups of youth standing in silence for 30 seconds. During this time the youth will display signs that detail myths about mental health challenges. For instance, a sign might read, “It’s just a phase,” while another might read, “He’s just trying to get attention.”

Then the youth will turn the signs around to display facts about children’s mental health, featuring data that demonstrate how youth can and do thrive when they receive comprehensive mental health services.

The final activity will feature youth blowing bubbles, which symbolize stigma. Once the bubbles pop, the youth will shout, “BUST IT!”

Why get involved?

BUST IT is a way for communities show support for the total well-being of all children and youth and to rally against the stigma associated with having a mental health need. Since the activities are scheduled to take place during school hours, it creates a unique opportunity for communities to partner with their local schools, youth groups, and organizations that serve children and youth in the community on Awareness Day.

Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant sites are joining system of care communities in staging this youth action for Awareness Day across the country.

For more information, click on the logo below:

This year, Awareness Day will mark its 5th anniversary, as well as a first-time focus on the topic of early childhood. Communities across the country will observe the day with events, youth demonstrations, and social networking campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and increase understanding of the mental health needs of children and their families.

Awareness Day 2010 will specifically focus on increasing basic awareness of the importance positive mental health has on a child’s healthy development, with the key message that “positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development from birth.”

Awareness Day efforts will encourage the following actions

1. Integrate mental health into every environment that impacts child development from birth
2. Nurture the social and emotional well-being of children from birth
3. Look for and discuss milestones of a child’s social and emotional development from birth

For additional resources on child and adolescent mental health, click the link below:

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day) is a day for everyone to promote positive youth development, resilience, recovery, and the transformation of mental health services delivery for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families. Awareness Day raises awareness of effective programs for children’s mental health needs; demonstrates how children’s mental health initiatives promote positive youth development, recovery, and resilience; and shows how children with mental health needs thrive in their communities.

On Thursday, May 6, 2010, Awareness Day will mark its 5th anniversary, as well as a first-time focus on the topic of early childhood. Communities across the country will observe the day with events, youth demonstrations, and social networking campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and increase understanding of the mental health needs of children and their families.

The National Institute of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has proven that chamomile, long used as a folk remedy for anxiety, stress and tension, is a statistically effective treatment.

*The text below is from their website:


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Study Shows Chamomile Capsules Ease Anxiety Symptoms Chamomile

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has a wide array of psychological and physical symptoms. Although prescription drugs can help, they often have undesirable side effects. Many people experiencing symptoms of anxiety do not seek medical attention, turning instead to alternatives. One traditional remedy in widespread use is the herb chamomile. However, scientific evidence to support the use of chamomile for anxiety has been lacking.

NCCAM-funded researchers at the University of Pennsylvania recently conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to test the effects of chamomile extract in patients diagnosed with mild to moderate GAD. For 8 weeks, the 57 participants received either chamomile capsules containing 220 mg of pharmaceutical-grade extract from Matricaria recutita (German chamomile), standardized to 1.2 percent of the constituent apigenin; or chamomile-scented placebo capsules containing lactose. The initial dose of one capsule daily was increased to two capsules daily at week 2; dosages were then adjusted incrementally (up to five capsules) in some participants. Researchers used the Hamilton Anxiety Rating (HAM-A) and other tests to measure changes in anxiety symptoms over the course of the study; dosage adjustments were based on HAM-A scores.

Compared with placebo, chamomile was associated with a greater reduction in mean HAM-A scores-the study’s primary outcome measure. The difference was clinically meaningful and statistically significant. Chamomile also compared favorably with placebo on other outcome measures (although the differences were not statistically significant), and was well tolerated by participants.

These results suggest that chamomile may have modest benefits for some people with mild to moderate GAD. As this was the first controlled trial of chamomile extract for anxiety, the researchers note that additional studies using larger samples and studying effects for longer periods of time would be helpful. They also point out that other chamomile species, preparations (e.g., extracts standardized to constituents other than apigenin), and formulations (e.g., oil or tea) might produce different results.
Reference

* Amsterdam JD, Yimei L, Soeller I, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2009 Aug;29(4):378-382.

The chicken and the egg…
The yin and the yang…
Mental illness and creativity…
Watch the video.
Share your thoughts.

I care for someone with a serious mental illness.

Sometimes the illness “gets in the way.”

What are appropriate boundaries, and how do I set them?

1. Discuss how you hope to treat others and how you expect to be treated.
2. Agree on a format for solution when these expectations are not met.
3. Plan and stick to individual, separate activities as well as “together time.”
4. Respect one another’s privacy and clearly establish times or topics that are off limits.
5. Do not tolerate self injury, violence or abuse of any kind.
   If they occur, seek help or tell someone immediately.
6. Safety is a top priority. If you question anyone’s safety, get help. Call a responsible adult or dial 911.
7. Expect that your relationship will be kind, supportive and loving. Always work toward that goal.

What skills or strategies will help me deal with a family member or friend with a mental illness?

1. Show compassion. Being diagnosed with a mental illness can be scary and confusing. Some people are relieved by a diagnosis and actively seek treatment; others may be devastated, ashamed or in denial.
2. Encourage your loved one to learn about treatments and services. Remind them that finding the right treatment or services takes time and involves some trial and error.
3. Practice “active listening.” Listen and then express your understanding back. Acknowledge his/her feelings. Don’t discount them, even if you believe them to be symptoms of the illness.
4. Understand medication challenges. Side effects often make people want to stop taking their medicine. Urge them to take their meds and talk to the doctor about making adjustments.
5. Know that recovery isn’t just about staying on medication. Self-esteem, social support and contributing to society are essential elements of recovery.
6. Learn to cope with unusual behavior. People with mental illnesses are sometimes disruptive or behave in an embarrassing way. If this happens, tell a responsible party, like a parent or doctor. This information can lead to more effective treatment.

I love someone who has a serious mental illness.

How can I prevent our relationship from being all about mental illness?

1. Participate in normal, fun activities together. Watch movies, play games, go for walks, etc.
2. Establish “no health-talk” times.
3. Work together on necessary tasks, such as cooking, grocery shopping and gardening.
4. Create routines and schedules that encourage living healthfully and well.
5. Always be respectful, kindand supportive. And expect the same in return.

How can I have healthy relationships with family members and friends living with a mental illness?

1. Offer practical help. Drive or be present at appointments.
2. Give respect. Honor the need for, and right to, privacy; and always treat others with dignity and respect regardless of circumstance.
3. Establish a support network. Seek your own support from family and friends. Self-help and support groups also provide an opportunity to talk with others in similar situations.
4. Take time out. Pursuing your own interests will help you remain patient and compassionate. You can only help others when you are physically and emotionally healthy.
5. Maintain hope. There is hope for recovery, and with treatment, many people with mental illnesses have happy, productive, fulfilling lives.

I have a family history of mental illness.

What should I watch for, in myself, to remain healthy?

1. If you have a family history of mental illness, avoid drugs and alcohol. They can trigger the illness.
2. If you’re worried about your own mental health, keep a daily log or journal of your concerns.
3. Learn symptoms and signs of onset and monitor yourself for these.
4. Confide in someone you trust and ask them to tell you if you exhibit these symptoms or behaviors.
5. Talk to your parents, school counselor or doctor if you are worried about your own mental health.
6. To maintain good mental health, eat a well-balanced diet, get at least 30 minutes of physical exercise every day, sleep 8 or more hours each night and avoid drugs and alcohol.