Orlando

People with mental health issues make up 36 percent of Social Security allocations — up from 24 percent two decades prior — and possess a standard of living that often falls below federal poverty guidelines, according to Alternatives presenters Donita Diamata and Amy Zulich.

With the federal poverty guideline set at $10,890 per year and Social Security payments set at $8,064 annually, consumers relying solely on government income face a deficit of more than $2,000 each year in meeting basic living expenses, according to Diamata.

In an effort to combat mental health stigma and discrimination within the African American community, five women shared their personal stories of struggle and recovery in an Alternatives presentation on Saturday.

Known as "Victorious Black Women," the group strives to create and promote culturally responsive peer recovery and support services, in addition to self-help tools and techniques for African American consumers, communities, and family members.

The modern consumer movement has experienced great change since its start in the 1970s and is still evolving today, leading to both new opportunities and new challenges, according to long-time mental health activist Sally Zinman.

In describing the history of the consumer movement, Zinman contrasted the grassroots beginnings of the 1970s with the system culture and policy changes brought about in the 2000s.

Effective sleep management is key to preventing major illnesses and minimizing symptoms of mental health challenges, according to Alternatives presenter Larry Fricks.

It is especially important to give one's body the required 7-9 hours of sleep each night, says Fricks, because research has shown links between insomnia (the inability to fall or stay asleep) and depression. While depression has been linked as a cause of insomnia, untreated insomnia may also be a risk factor for depression.