We have a couple new features coming up, so I figured I would give you a heads up about them.

1. Ask An Expert:  I already posted about this in a previous update.  I am currently lining up mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, guidance counselors, etc.) that will answer general questions about mental health issues.  There is an "Ask A Doctor" thread in the forums where you can air your questions.  These questions cannot be case-specific.  All answers will be to inform, not advise.  Out of the Silence does not and will not endorse any forms of treatment.
2. Feature Articles:  I also hope to feature unsolicited articles from these mental health professionals.  These articles will be about current advances, trends, and issues concerning the youth mental health field. 
3. News Links:  I plan on either figuring out how to mirror a mental health news feed via RSS or researching mental health news articles throughout the week and posting links to them on Fridays.  It's always good to be informed about the latest news.
4. Resources for the UK, Australia, and Canada:  When I first started this site, I originally intended on it being exclusively for the US.  Yes, I am very naive.  This has inevitably grown to be international, so I am now looking to create resource pages for the rest of the English-speaking countries.  Please e-mail me at admin@stepoutofthesilence.org or send me a message if you have any websites or hotlines that should be included.  Be sure to include which country the resource is for!
5. Fact Sheets:  This website is by no means meant to diagnose or treat any mental illness.  However, you know I live by the "knowledge is power" cliche.  I am trying to get permission to reprint some of the pamphlets from other organizations to add to our "Resource" center.  Again, these fact sheets will be meant to INFORM not DIAGNOSE!
6. Legislative Center:  Let me be the first to admit that I have no clue what IDEA or parity or any of these legal terms really mean.  I hope to make a little glossary of terms and annotate some pieces of legislation.  Now we have no excuse not to write to our legislators and advocate for mental health!  If anyone from the UK, Australia, or Canada has any information on legislation in your respective countries, please let me know. 
7. Press Center:  I'm going to be featured in my local paper this Saturday.  Thus begins our Press Center.  I will upload all press releases and press coverage to this center once I create it. 
8. Art/Writing Contests:  Our final addition will be art and writing contests.  I am trying to find sponsors to donate prizes for contests, as well as to find judges. 

All of these should be added around our launch date of September 9!