October 2023 | Issue 23



The Anne Arundel County Local Behavioral Health Authority or LBHA is a

partnership between the Anne Arundel County Department of Health

and the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, Inc.

The beginning of October is Mental Illness Awareness week, as established by Congress in 1990. According to statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five U.S. adults and one in six youth (aged 6-17) experience mental illness every year. Annual prevalence rates are significantly higher among U.S. LGBTQ+ adults, with over 50% experiencing mental illness.

Less than half of U.S. adults with mental illness receive treatment. There are several reasons that people don't seek treatment, including preference for self-treatment, but many don't seek help because they are uncertain what treatment is available or how to find it, or because of stigma or fear of what others might think.

This year's theme for the week is "Together We Care, Together We Share", in recognition of the healing power of sharing experiences with mental illness. NAMI Anne Arundel has support groups for those with lived experience as well as for friends, partners, and family of those with mental illness. Check out their website for a calendar of events for more information about these groups.



If you are in crisis and need help, our Warmline is open 24/7 at 410-768-5522.

Major Depression is one of the most common mental disorders among youth and adults, but only about 1/3 of those suffering seek or receive treatment.

While a depression screening can not replace a professional diagnosis, it can serve as a first step toward starting a conversation with your friends, family, or medical providers to begin seeking treatment.

Consider the free, anonymous, and confidential online screening offered by Mental Health America if you have symptoms including:

A persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood

Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

Restlessness or irritability

World Mental Health Day began as an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO), and has been celebrated since 1992. It is a day intended to raise global awareness of mental health and to educate and advocate against social stigma.

On October 10th, we'll be wearing green in support of mental health awareness, and invite you to do the same! We have also created English and Spanish language fliers for this year's World Mental Health Day, with wellness tips and a list of local resources for children and families.

The Maryland Department of Health's Office of Suicide Prevention in partnership with Echo Resource Development, Inc. is offering FREE virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings to all interested Maryland residents.

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges

among children and adolescents ages 6-18.

Choose from:

Tuesday, October 10th and Thursday, October 12th, 2023 11:00am-2:30pm ET

or

Tuesday, October 24th and Thursday, October 26th, 2023 9:00am-12:00pm ET

10/4 Webinar: Ethical Issues When Providing Services to Minors

10/4 Maryland's 35th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference (Virtual)

10/4 GGEAR Conference: Making Peace with End of Life (Virtual)

10/6 Webinar: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP)

10/13 Webinar: The Survivor's Journey: Helping Survivors of Trauma Heal

10/13 41st Annual NAMI Maryland Conference (Virtual)

10/19 Webinar: Building a Bridge to Veterans- Mitigating Crisis Through Developing Trust

10/23-10/24 State Summit on Behavioral Health and the Justice System: Utilizing the Sequential Intercept Model (Crownsville)

10/24 Webinar: Suicide-Focused Assessment and Treatment: An Update for Professionals

10/27 Webinar: Dual Relationships- Balancing Ethical Relationships

10/1 Ninth Annual Lifeline 100 Community Bicycle Event (Starts at Kinder Farm Park, Millersville)

10/3 Webinar: Black and Suicidal-How to Support Loved Ones Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts

10/3-11/28 Parenting for a Different World Discussion Series: Nurturing Mental Health in the Age of Smartphones (Severna Park)

10/13 Happiness Hour for Caregivers and Youth (Severna Park)

10/14 2023 City of Annapolis Drug Education and Awareness Sporting Festival (Pip Moyer Recreation Center)

10/26 Halloween Trunk or Treat (Glen Burnie Library)



10/28 Halloween Hubbub (Odenton Library)

10/28 Spook-Tackular Storytime and Costume Parade (Broadneck Library)

10/30-11/3 Dia de los Muertos Community Ofrenda (Discoveries:The Library at Annapolis Mall)