MHA's Blog: Chiming In

As you may have heard, sequestration resulted in the cancellation of funding of consumer scholarships to Mental Health America’s 2013 Annual Conference, Why Welllness Works: Breakthroughs and Pathways to Whole Health, June 5-8, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland

In the past, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provided funding for people with mental health and substance use conditions to attend Mental Health America's Annual Conference. Our conferences have educated, informed and empowered those consumer attendees, who learn and disseminate critical information to statewide consumer groups.

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A few weeks back, in my blog about Maria Bamford’s Special Special Special, I mentioned a podcast called the Mental Illness Happy Hour as being one of the new places where comedy is openly discussing mental health issues. I wanted to talk about the podcast in depth a little more because it’s doing something truly unique in the worlds of podcasting and self-help.

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A few weeks back, in my blog about Maria Bamford’s Special Special Special, I mentioned a podcast called the Mental Illness Happy Hour as being one of the new places where comedy is openly discussing mental health issues. I wanted to talk about the podcast in depth a little more because it’s doing something truly unique in the worlds of podcasting and self-help.

Read more...

Sometimes, I read a theory about something online (I do that a lot), and the absurdity of it sticks with me. I enjoy reading conspiracy theories because I enjoy following the logic of the people thinking of them, and I enjoy the attempts to support theories with fact. They often illuminate ideas and facts that we just take for granted.

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When Mental Health Is a Laughing Matter

By David Granirer, Counselor, Stand-Up Comic, and Founder of Stand Up For Mental Health (David Granirer will present during Mental Health America's 2013 Annual Conference at The Clifford Beers Awards Dinner).

Most people think you have to be nuts to do stand-up comedy. I offer it as a form of therapy. And it’s not as crazy as it seems. Stand Up For Mental Health is my program where I teach stand-up comedy to people with mental health issues as a way of building confidence, promoting recovery and fighting public stigma.

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