The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center hosts a free Wellness Fair along with short informational seminars to highlight the critical message that ?Mental Health is Good Medicine? and attempt to diminish the stigma attached to mental illness.

The Wellness Fair takes place on October 12, 9 a.m. ? noon, and features information booth, giveaways, on-site experts, free kolaches and coffee, and more. Beginning at 1 p.m., various subject matter experts will present short, 30-minute presentations followed by question and answer sessions. Participants may also enjoy free ice cream.

Mental illnesses (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.) are widespread and often misunderstood. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2005, there were an estimated 24.6 million adults aged 18 or older who experienced serious psychological distress (SPD), which is highly correlated with serious mental illness. Among 18-25 year olds, the prevalence of SPD is high (18.6% for 18-25 year olds vs. 11.3% for all adults 18+); yet, this age group shows the lowest rate of help-seeking behaviors. Additionally, those with mental health conditions in this segment have a high potential to minimize future disability and pursue recovery if social acceptance is broadened and they receive the right support and services early on.

Mental health recovery is a journey of healing and transformation enabling a person with a mental health problem to live a meaningful life in a community of his or her choice while striving to achieve his or her full potential. In order to support the rehabilitation and recovery of every Veteran with a mental illness, VA has identified recovery as a guiding principle for its entire mental health service delivery system. Recovery involves developing hope, self-direction, empowerment, respect, and peer support.

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center provides specialty inpatient programs at its main facility and mental health services at its many outpatient clinics. In addition, readjustment counseling services are available for Veterans and their families at Vet Centers across the nation.

For more information about VA mental health programs and services, visit http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/gethelp.asp or call the 24/7 Telecare Hotline at 713-794-8985 or toll-free 1-800-639-5137. For more information about the Wellness Fair, call Gary Brown at 713-791-1414, ext. 6313.