[Archived] May is Mental Health Month: Stand Up for Mental Health with Counselor David Granirer

May is Mental Health Month: Stand Up for Mental Health with Counselor David Granirer
For Immediate Release: April 27, 2009

Updated: May 15, 2009

News Highlights: 

• National Mental Health Month focuses on 10 research-based methods to reduce stress.
• Counselor David Granirer will relieve stress in his hilarious presentation on living with a mental illness. For the show, Granirer will demonstrate how his program works by teaching five local people with mental illness to give humorous presentations.

More Information:

• I’m Okay But You Need Professional Help
• Stand Up for Mental Health
• Live Your Life Well- 10 Ways to Reduce Stress 

In recognition of National Mental Health Month in May, the Alexandria Community Services Board presents internationally recognized counselor, David Granirer. Granirer will perform I’m Ok, But You Need Professional Help: Using Humor to Fight Stigma on Thursday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m. at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St. There is no cost to attend. Granirer is the author of The Happy Neurotic: How Fear and Angst Can Lead to Happiness and Success. A book and DVD sale and signing will follow the show. 

Granirer’s hilarious presentation is part comedy and part education. Granirer, who lives with depression, looks at how humor can fight the stigma around mental illness. For part of the show, he will demonstrate how his program works by teaching five local people with mental illness to give humorous presentations. Their acts will look at the lighter side of taking medication and seeing counselors.

Humor is also an excellent buffer for stress, and a great way to build resiliency in these tough economic times. According to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, 58% of Americans reported struggling in their lives at the end of 2008, 22 million more than earlier in the year. Anyone who needs to relieve stress or anyone with an interest in mental health will love this show! The 2009 Mental Health Month campaign, Live Your Life Well, provides 10 additional, research-based ways to reduce stress.

This event is part of the Partnership for A Healthier Alexandria’s HOPE Campaign to fight the stigma of accessing mental health services. Co-sponsors include the Alexandria Community Services Board, Friends of the Alexandria Mental Health Center and Comcast.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For more information, contact Jennifer Cohen-Cordero at 703.746.3484 or jennifer.cohen-cordero@alexandriava.gov