At AstraZeneca, our mission is to help patients live fuller and healthier lives.
Many community-based programs offer unique experiences and support for individuals with a mental illness, as well as their families. These programs help gain the knowledge and insight needed to fully comprehend the effects mental health disorders may have on individuals and their family and friends.
Visit the following resources to learn more about supportive mental health services:
- Facing Us Campaign (www.facingus.org)
Facing Us is an online campaign that puts a ‘face’ on bipolar depression through various online avenues including a Facing Us contest for individuals to submit their own original video testimonials and artwork discussing their own experience facing depression, bipolar disorder, personal relationships, and recovery. Facing Us hosts the largest online support group community where individuals can find necessary tools to manage bipolar disorder including a wellness plan, a wellness book, and a wellness tracker. - NAMI Connection (www.nami.org)
NAMI Connection support groups are for people who are living with mental illness. The meetings are intended for those who seek to learn from others’ experiences, share coping strategies, and offer encouragement, understanding, and support. This peer-based, mutual support group program employs guidelines and principles of support designed to empower its members. - Peer-to-Peer (www.nami.org/p2p)
Peer-to-Peer is a nine-week interactive course for any person with a mental illness. In addition to providing information about mental illnesses, the program includes information on individual empowerment, coping strategies for real life situations, and relapse prevention. It’s taught by mentors who have personally experienced mental illness. - Half of Us (www.halfofus.com)
Half of Us is the largest outreach program addressing mental health issues in the college population. This social media-based source is being run through the mtvU network and the Jed Foundation. Its mission is to direct the way millions of college students think about potentially life-threatening mental health issues and provide suggestions for the creation of a healthy dialogue through education and awareness. - The Mental Health Family Tree (www.MentalHealthFamilyTree.org)
The Mental Health Family Tree program is a nonprofit organization helping families recognize and cope with depressive disorders. The program raises awareness of the possible family connection of bipolar disorder. Through the use of a simple web based tool, individuals can map out their family’s history of possible mental illness and use a print out of a family tree to take with them to their next doctor’s visit.
All of these programs offer supportive services, but remember that it is important to work with your healthcare professional to get the care that is most appropriate for your individual needs.
297960 4/10
