A partnership of national public and private organizations announced on Wednesday that they will host events and distribute literature in conjunction with an upcoming PBS television series on mental health.
The series, called The Emotional Life, will explore the roots of happiness by focusing on a combination of personal stories and the latest brain science research. It will air from January 4 through January 6 on PBS. It is a co-production of Vulcan Productions and the NOVA/WGBH Science Unit.
"The TV series is the cornerstone of a broader project to help people form better, deeper and more profound human connections," said Vulcan Productions senior executive producer Richard Hutton.
A number of national private and nonprofit health groups assisted in developing content for the series, including Blue Star Families; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; Mental Health America; the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance; the National Alliance on Mental Illness; University of Phoenix; and the Mayo Clinic.
The groups have prepared two informational packets to distribute in conjunction with the series. The first aims at new parents and infant caregivers, and will be distributed at high birthrate hospitals, community-based clinics and pediatric doctors’ offices. The other focuses on military deployments, and will be distributed through a partnership between government agencies, military family groups and educational institutions.
"Our hope is that viewers come away with what years of research have shown: individuals who feel connected are healthier and happier and better equipped to deal with stress and adversity," said Mental Health America president and chief executive David Stern.
An estimated 26.2 percent of American adults suffer from a diagnosable mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Approximately 6.7 percent of adults suffer from a major depressive disorder, making depression the leading cause of disability for Americans ages 15 to 44.
