Fact Sheets | Upcoming Events
This year for May is Mental Health Month, MHA is talking about Risky Business (#riskybusiness). The campaign is meant to educate and inform individuals dealing with a mental health concern understand that some behaviors and habits can be detrimental to recovery—or even mask a deeper issue—but that seeking help is nothing to be ashamed of.
We believe it's important to educate people about habits and behaviors that increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental illnesses, or could be signs of mental health problems themselves. These include risk factors such as risky sex, prescription drug misuse, internet addiction, excessive spending, marijuana use, and troublesome exercise patterns. We hope the tools and resources that we've put together help individuals and communities to raise awareness of the risks that these types of behaviors present—especially to young people—and help people who may be struggling to detect early warning signs and seek help early, before Stage 4.
When we engage in prevention and early identification, we can help reduce the burden of mental illness by identifying symptoms and warning signs early and provide effective treatment. So, let’s talk about what is and is not risky business. Let’s understand where it’s important to draw the line, so that we can address mental illness B4Stage4, and help others on the road to recovery.
Download the Mental Health Month Toolkit >>
Would You Know When You’ve Gone Too Far?
Take the interactive quiz at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/whatstoofar and tell us when you think behaviors or habits go from being acceptable to unhealthy.
Fact Sheets & Other Handouts
Risky Business: Marijuana
Risky Business: Prescription Drug Misuse
Risky Business: Exercise
Risky Business: Sex
Risky Business: Compulsive Buying
Risky Business: Internet Addiction
May is Mental Health Month Wellness Tips Poster
Worksheet: Filling the Void
Worksheet: A Letter to Risky Business
Upcoming Events
2nd Annual Gathering on Mental Health: Reducing Stigma & Creating Trauma-Sensitive Communities
May 12-13
Durward's Glen, Baraboo WI
Brochure >
Hirsh Larkey Mental Health Conference: Real Men, Real Stories
Thursday, May 18 (8am - noon)
Italian Community Center, Milwaukee WI
Additional information >>
NAMIWalks Greater Milwaukee
Saturday, May 20 (Walk starts at 11am)
Veterans Park, Milwaukee WI
Participate with MHA by joining our team - MHA Steps Against Stigma - or donate to our team as a "Virtual Walker". Additional information >
MHA of Wisconsin wants everyone to know that mental illnesses are real, that recovery is always the goal, and that even if you or someone you love are engaging in risky behavior, there is help. It is important to understand early symptoms of mental illness and know when certain behaviors are potentially signs of something more. We need to speak up early and educate people about risky behavior and its connection to mental illness—and do so in a compassionate, judgement-free way.