The St. Cloud Diocese’s Task Force on Mental Health along with the Office of Catholic Education Ministries, is currently offering open listening sessions for persons and families affected by mental illness at various locations in the diocese. Clergy, lay ministers and other interested persons are also invited. Persons from all denominations are welcome to participate.
 |
LISTENING SESSIONS:
May 1, 2007 - Melrose
October 22, 2007 - Princeton
January 14, 2008 - Little Falls
April 21, 2008 - Fergus Falls
|
What is the purpose of these
Listening Sessions: |
The listening session will start with prayer, and personal sharing from a person with mental illness or a family member. There is an opportunity for small group sharing of stories and suggestions to parishes. Information about what is already happening, and on-going efforts are shared by diocesan level representatives. Those present assist with dreaming about what could be. |
| Why a Listening Session: |
A recent study found that one in five persons are affected by mental illness. For our churches, that means 20% of our membership has someone with mental illness or is affected by it. As Church, we need to find better ways and resources to help persons affected by mental illness. It is important that stories are heard and ideas are shared so that churches may become a more welcoming place for those with mental health concerns. |
|
Since 1990, mental health advocates across the country have joined together during the first week of October to celebrate Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW).
What is Mental Illness Awareness Week?
Established in 1990 by Congress, the first week of October is designated as "Mental Illness Awareness Week" (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI’s efforts to raise mental illness awareness. "Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day" (BDAD) is held each year on the Thursday of MIAW to encourage further understanding and promote early intervention and treatment for this mental illness.
MIAW and BDAD are NAMI’s premiere public awareness and public education campaigns that link the organization nationally to the organization’s over 1100 local affiliates across the country.
Over the past 16 years, MIAW has become a tradition in NAMI. It presents an opportunity for all three levels of NAMI –national, state and local – to work together in communities across the country in meeting the NAMI mission through a variety of outreach, educational, and advocacy efforts.
|
|
What is Bipolar Awareness Day?
Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day was created by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and Abbott Laboratories to increase awareness of bipolar disorder, promote early detection and accurate diagnosis, reduce stigma, and minimize the devastating impact on the 2.3 million Americans presently affected by the disorder.
BDAD activities focus on encouraging the community to:
Learn more about the symptoms of bipolar disorder and mental illness and understand its impact on society.
Participate in a free mental health screening held in many communities.
Reach out to individuals suffering from bipolar disorder or mental illness.
Encourage individuals with bipolar disorder to seek treatment.
|
| |
|
