Because, as the World Health Organization reports, one in four people reportedly suffer from one or more mental disorder at some stage in their lives, the Somerset Hills YMCA is again coordinating a Mental Health Week May 9-13.

This will be the third mental health community awareness program sponsored by the YMCA.

The event is an educational collaboration between the YMCA’s Health Outcomes Partnership (HOP) and the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ). The week-long program will include 18 presentations and workshops by nationally recognized and local experts in behavioral health, parenting, special needs, public health and education.

The first program came at a time when there had been several community tragedies stemming from mental health crises. One involved Basking Ridge resident Bill Kimzey, who lost his eighth-grade son Jack in 2006 as the result of a family tragedy involving a mental health crisis experienced by Jack’s mother.

Recognizing the need for community education, Kimzey approached the YMCA. His efforts led to the creation of HOP, a YMCA initiative/community coalition made up of representatives of 25-30 different agencies, churches and members of the community at large. The volunteers focus on educating the public about mental health.

“Most people think of us as a ‘swim and gym’ but we’re really about mind, body and spirit,” explained Andrea Williams, director of public relations for the Somerset Hills YMCA. “So much of your physical health is tied in with your mental health.”

Mental Health Week, Williams added, is a way to “let people know there are resources out there. It could be as simple as stress or depression.”

Susan Visser, HOP coordinator, explained that one of the goals is to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness.

“Mental illness is common,” she pointed out. In fact, according to ASHA International, “mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes or heart disease.”

“It’s about living everyday life. It’s OK to ask someone, ‘Are you OK?’ ” Visser emphasized.

Last year’s mental health program was “very well received,” Visser noted. Among the most popular topics were the “Sandwich Generation,” teen suicide, depression, family resilience, bullying and substance abuse, all of which are included in this year’s program as well.

Organizers are expecting this year’s event to draw 500 or more during the course of the week. Programs and workshops are free and open to the public; participants do not need to be a member of the YMCA and registration is not required.

Mental Health Week 2011 will feature several keynote speakers and a full slate of programs. Here is a sampling:

• “Complicated Grief & Bereavement: Living with the Pain of Loss.” Dr. Monica Indart.  Monday, May 8, 9 a.m.
• “Mental Health First Aid for the Somerset Hills” (how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness and assist the individual). Bryan V. Gibb. Wednesday, May 11, 2 p.m.
• “Generation Text: Raising Well-Adjusted Kids in an Age of Instant Everything” (suggested $5 donation). Dr. Michael Osit. Wednesday, May 11, 7 p.m.
• “Compassionate Self-Awareness: An Approach to Making Real Change.” Leslie Becker-Phelps, PHD Monday, May 9, 1 p.m.
• “September 11^th, 10 Years After: Finding Healing Hope and Help.” Megan Sullivan, Tuesday, May 10, 1 p.m.
• “Hearing Distressing Voices: The Experience of Auditory Hallucinations,” an interactive presentation by the MHANJ. Friday, May 13, 2:30 p.m.
• “Learn. Don’t Label. An Interactive Presentation on Stigma” presented by DV8 from Drew University. Friday, May 13, 2:30 p.m.

A resource table with mental health information will be available all week. For more information about any of the programs, call Visser at 908-766-7898, x 1553.