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By the Numbers Millions live with mental illness

1 in 4 families affected in any year

Mental illness likely affects members of this congregation

One of the least understood illnesses

Mental Illness Defined Physiological Brain Disorder

Medical condition requiring treatment and

care Characterized by disturbance in thought, mood or behavior Causes impairment of spiritual, interpersonal, behavioral, and emotional functioning

Recognize Symptoms: Extreme mood changes, overwhelming hopelessness and sadness, delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, severely impaired perception, judgment or insight, problems with concentration or attention

“No-Casserole Illness” Diagnosis is life changing in the same way as diabetes, heart trouble, or any other illness If left untreated, all mental illnesses are impairing

Reaches beyond the individual to family and friends

Few come knocking with casseroles and flowers during a mental health crisis

Mental Illness Stigma Individuals are excluded from warmth of friends, family, and even faith communities Sense of abandonment

Families reluctant to admit mental illness Live in forced silence

Fear of being judged, labeled, ridiculed, or ostracized Potential employer discrimination

Call to Faith Communities We can reach out in love to those who feel abandoned and overlooked by society

We are all made in the image of God Compelled to love and care for each other

We answer God’s call by responding in love, compassion, support and respect

Myths and Misconceptions Character Flaw

Can be overcome by trying harder Imagine trying to walk-off a broken leg!

Demon Possession Reflects lack of faith or unconfessed sin

Can be cured by just praying more Truth: Faith alone does not prevent mental illness…it is a medical condition!

Mental Illness: Brain Disorder

Can and does cause death Human instinct is the preservation of life Mental illness can severely impact the brain to the point that this instinct is overridden and some take their own lives

Spiritual healing and recovery are possible Currently no cure for mental illness

•Medications may stabilize symptoms Recovery requires treatment, support, and services

Healing vs. Cure Healing is peace from knowing God

God is working for the best possible outcome: healing mind, body, and spirit

Peace is a gift from a compassionate God freely given to all

Even if there is no cure, spiritual healing is possible with mental illness It is relationships, connections to others and love that heals the soul

Historical Response Mentally ill previously institutionalized

Large state hospitals have closed since the 1950s due to: Improvements in treatment Public outrage over patient abuse and neglect

Goal was for patient support through community mental health centers Support network did not materialize

Current Status Many are left without adequate support, medication, housing or treatment

Some end up in prison where they are guaranteed “three hots and a cot” Prisons are not properly equipped for treatment and care of mental illness

In Georgia today, more mentally ill are in the prison system than in state mental health facilities

Current Status Improvements in mental health care

Access to new medications, treatments and services

Persons with mental illness are now able to live more productive lives within the community

Those living with mental illness are more visible in society and faith communities Desperately need support and compassion Churches, temples and mosques reach 50% of the American population monthly

Our opportunity has never been greater!

Role of Faith Communities This faith community can provide much needed support to those living with mental illness and their families Educate members and build understanding among ourselves

Reach out and lovingly welcome those affected by mental illness

Proclaim God’s comfort by walking alongside

Provide hope and encouragement for recovery

During a Mental Health Crisis 60% turn to faith leader first, not to medical professionals

Support and encouragement is needed for both the individual and their family Grieve the loss of hopes and dreams Crisis causes stress and isolation Illness requires time, energy, and resources

All in crisis wrestle with serious faith questions

Role of Clergy During Crisis Provide comfort and support to the individual and their family

Provide spiritual guidance for difficult faith issues

Power of the pulpit can fight against misinformation, indifference, and ridicule Stories can illustrate need for support

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization

Dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness

Goal is to help people recover while alleviating suffering

Developed a Faith Outreach Initiative

Faith Outreach Initiative Acknowledge the importance of faith and spirituality in mental health recovery

Recognize recovery as three-dimensional Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual

•Few mental health providers or advocacy groups offer meaningful spiritual support

•Faith Communities are uniquely qualified

NAMI as resource for faith communities

What NAMI Offers Programs for individuals with any mental health diagnosis and also for their families or friends Support Groups

• Provide Validation, Insight, and Skills for Recovery

Education Courses• Empower and Educate about Diagnosis, Clinical treatment and Coping Skills

Complete confidentiality Promotes a trusting environment to openly discuss the challenges of living with mental illness and skills for recovery

NAMI Signature Programs Signature Programs compliment your ministry Programs offered at no charge Available to anyone living with any mental health diagnosis

These programs help people live better lives and they help save lives!

See www.namiga.org for meeting locations, dates and times

Local NAMI Signature Programs For adults with any mental health diagnosis: One on One Support

• Individual help: connect with community resources • Contact John Doe at 777-777-7777

Support Groups• Weekly Connection Support Group: offers encouragement in recovery• Meets each Wednesday 7:30-9:00 p.m. First Methodist Church

Education Courses• Peer-to-Peer: 10-week experiential course on the topic of recovery and maintaining wellness• Contact John Doe at 777-777-7777 for class calendar

Local NAMI Signature Programs For Families and Caregivers:

Family Support Groups• Meet weekly to share challenges and successes; reduces isolation and anxiety • Meets each Monday 7-9 p.m. at St James Church

Education Courses• Family-to-Family: 12 week course teaches clinical treatment, knowledge and skills to help loved one• Contact John Doe at 777-777-7777 for class calendar

• DVD available

NAMI is Your Resource Faith Outreach Coordinator

Serves as liaison between you and NAMI Can provide literature, information and referrals Available to speak to groups within your church, temple or mosque

Jane Doe is your Faith Outreach Coordinato r Phone: 777-777-7777 or JaneDoe@email.com

Feel free to refer members to NAMI programs Open to any and everyone at no charge