Public Service Announcements

Below are Public Service Announcements on mental health (with timing). Media can use these PSAs during Mental Health Month in May, Mental Illness Awareness Week in October or throughout the year. 

Mental Illness Awareness Week  (:30)
Most Americans know someone with a mental illness. Mental illness can be caused by genetic, biological or environmental factors. Warning signs include personality changes, inability to cope with daily activities, excessive anxiety, prolonged sadness or extreme highs and lows.  Seeking help is a sign of strength. And most people who get help feel better. The first week of October is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Visit HealthyMinds-dot-org for more. A healthy mind is key to a healthy life.

Mental Health Month #1   (:30)
Most Americans know someone with a mental illness. Mental illness can be caused by genetic, biological or environmental factors. Warning signs include personality changes, inability to cope with daily activities, excessive anxiety, prolonged sadness, or extreme highs and lows. Seeking help is a sign of strength.  And most people who get help feel better. May is Mental Health Month. Visit Healthy Minds-dot-org to learn more A healthy mind is key to a healthy life.

Mental Health Month #2   (:20)
Most Americans know someone with a mental illness, like depression, eating disorders, phobias and substance abuse. Warning signs include personality changes, excessive anxiety, prolonged sadness or extreme highs and lows. Seeking help is a sign of strength. May is Mental Health Month. Visit Healthy Minds-dot-org to learn more.

Military Mental Health #1  (:30)
Servicemen and women are coming home bearing the physical and emotional wounds of war. The trauma of combat is magnified by the loss of buddies, separation from loved ones and the stress of multiple extended deployments. Anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, depression and substance abuse often appear after the excitement of homecoming subsides. War wears on families as well. Seeking help is a sign of strength. Visit HealthyMinds-dot-org to learn more about military mental health from the American Psychiatric Association.

Military Mental Health #2  (:20)
Servicemen and women are coming home bearing the physical and emotional wounds of war. Anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance abuse often appear after the excitement of homecoming subsides. Seeking help is a sign of strength. Visit HealthyMinds-dot-org to learn more about military mental health from the American Psychiatric Association.

College Mental Health  (:30)
The college years can be a complex and difficult time for some young people. Students may feel anxious, stressed and overwhelmed. Depression, alcohol abuse and eating disorders are common mental health issues on college campuses. Mental health issues can cause physical, emotional and behavioral problems, which can affect a student’s health, relationships, and grades. Seeking help is a sign of strength. Visit HealthyMinds-dot-org to learn more about college mental health from the American Psychiatric Association.

Depression: Disabling Emotions #1   (:60)
Millions of Americans suffer from depression. It’s a serious illness that affects how you feel, what you think, and how you act. Depression is not the same as normal sadness brought on by loss or grief. It can go on for months or years and involve disabling emotions, producing needless suffering. Symptoms include persistent sadness or irritability, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much. You may also experience changes in appetite, loss of energy, trouble concentrating or withdrawal from friends and family. Depression can leave you feeling helpless and hopeless. If you’re depressed, know that you are not alone. One in ten adults is affected each year. And if you get help, there is hope. Seeking treatment for depression is a sign of strength. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones. Visit HealthyMinds-dot-org to learn more about depression or to get more information on mental health from the American Psychiatric Association. A healthy mind is key to a healthy life.

Depression: Disabling Emotions #2   (:30)
Millions of Americans suffer from depression, a serious illness that affects how you feel, what you think, and how you act. Depression is not the same as normal sadness brought on by loss or grief. Symptoms include persistent sadness or irritability, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much. Also common are changes in appetite, loss of energy, trouble concentrating or withdrawal from friends and family. If you get help, there is hope. Visit HealthyMinds-dot-org for more.  A healthy mind is key to a healthy life.

Depression: Disabling Emotions #3  (:15)
Millions of Americans suffer from depression . . . a serious illness that affects how you feel, what you think, and how you act. Depression can leave you feeling helpless and hopeless. If you get help, there is hope. Visit HealthyMinds-dot-org to learn more.

Phobia: Excessive Fear   (:60)
Phobias affect men and women of all ages, from all walks of life. Fear is a normal response to real danger, while a phobia is irrational or excessive. People can develop phobias to social situations, specific activities, or animals. Symptoms include feelings of panic, dread or terror that are bigger than the actual threat. Phobic reactions are automatic and uncontrollable. They can lead to rapid heartbeat, trembling or shortness of breath. Phobias interfere with daily living. People with phobias may go to extreme measures to avoid the feared situation. But there is help and there is hope. With proper treatment, most phobia patients can overcome their fears. Getting help is something you can do for yourself and for your loved ones. Visit HealthyMinds-dot-org to learn more about phobias and to find more information about mental health from the American Psychiatric Association. A healthy mind is key to a healthy life.

Children’s Mental Health    (:20)
The U-S Surgeon General says one child in four experiences signs of a significant mental illness. If you have concerns about your child’s mood or behavior, get help. Early recognition and effective treatment can reduce the risk of lasting emotional troubles, and can help kids move on with their lives. For information about common childhood disorders, visit HealthyMinds-dot-org.

Mental Health of Seniors  (:30)
Senior citizens are at greater risk of some mental disorders than younger people. But many are reluctant to seek treatment. Seniors are often ashamed or frightened by their symptoms. Or they may believe symptoms are an inevitable part of aging. Changes in mood or behavior could be symptoms of treatable conditions. For example, forgetfulness or confusion can be caused by poor eating habits, heart disease, or even depression. There is help and hope. Visit HealthyMinds-dot-org for more.  A healthy mind is key to a healthy life.