Review this thematic paper about the Social Determinants of Mental Health to gain knowledge about the interacting forces that shape individual and collective levels of mental health and well-being, and the actions that can promote and protect good mental health! This paper provides a life-course perspective approach, demonstrates how risk exposures in formative stages of life can affect mental well-being many years later.
Classroom WISE is a FREE 3-part training package that assists K-12 educators and school staff in supporting the mental health of students in the classroom. Developed by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network in partnership with the National Center for School Mental Health, this package offers evidence-based strategies and skills to engage and support students experiencing adversity and distress.
In addition to a free online course on mental health literacy for educators and school staff, a video library and resource collection are also available!
The Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care (ITTIC) was started at the University at Buffalo in 2012 by Research Professor Thomas Nochajski and Clinical Professor Susan Green out of the need for additional trauma-related services, training and support within the University and community at large. Since its inception, ITTIC has provided training and consultation within the systems of child welfare, adult mental health, developmental disabilities, education, criminal justice and the court system.
According to the CDC, there were over 107,000 fatal overdoses in the U.S. in 2021. This figure is staggering. Each number represents a unique life that was lost in the addiction crisis. It also raises an important question: who is being most affected by this epidemic?
According to SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the BIPOC community is most at risk for developing addiction. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
Stress, trauma, housing discrimination, racism, hate crimes, and systemic pressures drastically increase the risk of developing addiction.
According to several studies, Black individuals in particular are at risk for addiction. Within the last 5 years, there has been a rise in opioid-related overdoses among Black Americans. During this time period, Black people accounted for 43% of all overdoses. This is especially jarring since Black people only make up approximately 12% of the general population.
BIPOC individuals also face barriers when trying to access treatment. These barriers can take the form of familial stigma, cultural stigma, limited healthcare access, systemic discrimination, and regulatory barriers.
Mental Health America’s 2023 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit provides free, practical resources, including information about how an individual’s environment impacts their mental health, suggestions for making changes to improve and maintain mental well-being, and how to seek help for mental health challenges.
This guide provides information on common mental health disorders in young people (and the medications that are often used to treat these), tops on identifying substance misuse and steps to making informed decisions about evaluation and treatment for co-occurring disorders.
Peer-to-Peer Depression Awareness Campaign Mentor Manual