Mental Health Resources

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, “Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder. It is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community” (National Institutes of Mental Health). Issues surrounding both mental health and mental disorders have a tremendous impact on individuals, their families, and the communities in which they live. Librarians need to have the awareness and skill to effectively serve patrons using appropriate resources concerned with mental health.

KEYWORDS:

• Consumer health
• mental health
• psychiatry
• psychology

Acknowledgments

This article was supported by the National Network/Libraries of Medicine, MidContinental Region under grant HHS-N-276-2011-00006-C.

This article not subject to US copyright law.

Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Column Editors: Priscilla L. Stephenson ([email protected]) and Mary Virginia Taylor ([email protected]).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Marty Magee

Marty Magee, MSA, MALS ([email protected]), is Education and Nebraska Coordinator, National Network/Libraries of Medicine, MidContinental Region, McGoogan Library of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986706 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6706; Barb Jones, MLS ([email protected]), is Advocacy and Missouri Coordinator, National Network/Libraries of Medicine, MidContinental Region, J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1 Hospital Drive Rm. HSL 226, Columbia, MO 65212.