Share Your Stories at realLIVES: A Unique Online Community

Earlier this year we launched a new and unique online community-realLIVES-where mental health consumers can share their experiences of living with mental health conditions. This one-of-a-kind anthology of original writings, artwork and poetry connects people facing similar struggles and helps break the silence that shrouds mental illness in America. We invite you to join in and contribute your story here.

Conference To Examine Future of Mental Health

We also encourage you to attend our Centennial Conference in Washington, D.C., Celebrating the Legacy, Forging the Future, which will not only look at the profound impact we have had over the last 100 years, but how we can change the face of mental health in the future. Leading figures, such as George Stephanopoulos of ABC News, and inspiring speakers will examine the changes that are transforming the face of mental health.  You can learn more about the conference at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/conference.

Sign the Pledge for Mental Health

Finally, I hope you will go to our website-www.mentalhealthamerica.net-and sign our Pledge for Mental Health. We believe It's Time for Mental Health.

It's time for businesses and elected leaders to invest in mental health and make it integral to our overall health. It's time for mental health to be part of our everyday lives, to provide Americans with the knowledge and skills that will protect and strengthen their mental health, respond to threats and equip them to persevere through tough times. It's time to give mental health the voice and attention it deserves.

Over the past century, we have transformed our nation's approach to mental health. Join us as build on a century of achievement to create new possibilities for progress.

David Shern, Ph.D., is president and CEO of Mental Health America.