May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Article from Psychology Today describing Bibliotherapy as a therapeutic approach employing books and other forms of literature, typically alongside more traditional therapy modalities, to support a patient’s mental health.

Abstract: An appraisal of the evidence on the efficacy of bibliotherapy on anxiety, distress, and coping in patients with cancer is lacking in the literature. Bibliotherapy is a self-help intervention using a variety of tools, such as selfhelp workbooks, pamphlets, novels, and audiobooks, to improve mental health. This review identified nine original research articles that examined bibliotherapy as an intervention to alleviate the psychological issues associated with a cancer diagnosis. Data synthesis from these studies provides preliminary evidence that bibliotherapy is an acceptable and beneficial adjunct therapy for patients with cancer experiencing anxiety, depression, and ineffective coping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resources for mental health help and support.

"Mental Health America is the nation's leading national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and illness prevention. Our work is informed, designed, and led by the lived experience of those most affected". (Source: mhanational.org)

A website "dedicated to sharing the gifts of mindfulness through content, training, courses, and events—helping people enjoy better health, foster more caring relationships, and cultivate a more compassionate society." (Source: Mindful.org)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

"The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation." (Source: www.samhsa.gov)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) support groups are peer-led and offer participants an opportunity to share their experiences and gain support from other attendees.

Tips For Talking
Start a conversation about mental health when there is an open window of time to have an in-depth discussion, and neither you or the person you’re talking to will have to cut the conversation short to take care of other obligations. Plan to set aside at least 30 minutes to an hour.