May is Mental Health Month

People with mental health problems are our neighbors. They are members of our congregations, members of our families; they are everywhere in this country. If we ignore their cries for help, we will continue to participate in the anguish from which those cries for help come. A problem of this magnitude will not go away. Because it will not go away, and because of our spiritual commitments, we are compelled to take action. (Rosalynn Carter)

DID YOU KNOW…

The magnitude of mental illness in this country is staggering. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, one in every five Americans experiences a mental disorder in any given year and half of all Americans have such disorders at some time in their lives. These illnesses of the brain affect all of us, regardless of age, gender, economic status or ethnicity.

Mental illness affects the mind, body and the spirit. It is a real, common and treatable illness. Mental illnesses are far more common than cancer, diabetes, heart disease or arthritis.

Our faith communities can be an important part of the recovery process through education, support and by helping individuals and families feel part of a caring community.

MAY HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS
MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Look for community events to highlight mental health issues affecting children, adolescents, adults and older adults. This is an opportunity to educate your faith community about mental illness and help them become caring congregations for persons with a mental illness and their families. Visit these websites for resources.

• NAMI FaithNet: www.nami.org/faithnet 

• Mental Health Ministries: www.MentalHealthMinistries.net 

• Pathways to Promise: www.Pathways2Promise.org 

• Congregational Resources: www.congregationalresources.org/mentalhealth.asp