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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 for meeting locations, dates and timeswww.namiga.org

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 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 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 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 Coordinator Phone: or Feel free to refer members to NAMI programs Open to any and everyone at no charge