Mental Health Awareness Week Created by: Lynda Fleenor

Out of the Darkness Walk When ? – Saturday October 5 th, 2013 Where? – Sacramento State Capitol Time- 9:00am Price $: FREE ! Age: For All AGES ! Phone # : 1 (800)

Out of the Darkness Community Walk Agenda Oct. 5 th, :30am Registration 9:15am Opening Ceremony 10:00am- 11:30am Walk 11:30am Closing Ceremony/Refreshments/ Prizes Please Come Join the Walk of Awareness for Suicide Prevention !

General Mental Health Information What is a Mental Illness? Any of the various forms of psychosis or severe neurosis. How many types of mental illnesses are there? The DSM-IV, the U.S. standard reference for psychiatry, includes over 300 different manifestations of mental illness. What causes a mental illness? Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors -- not personal weakness or a character defect -- and recovery from a mental illness is not simply a matter of will and self- discipline.

General Mental Illness Information (cont.) What is the percentage of Americans with a mental illness? An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older — about one in four adults How are mental illnesses different in children? Children differ from adults in that they experience many physical, mental, and emotional changes as they progress through their natural growth and development. They also are in the process of learning how to cope with, adapt, and relate to others and the world around them.

Mental Health Awareness Video Mental Health Awareness: Depression: Bipolar Disorder: Borderline Personality Disorder: Schizophrenia:

Discussion Questions What mental illnesses/disorders are you aware about? What is your opinion on the facts about mental illness/disorders? Do you know anyone with a mental illness and tell us a little about their story. WITHOUT NAMES Please.

Suicide Prevention Hotline Please if you or anyone else you know ever feels down and is having thoughts of suicide please call this toll free number: 1 (800) You could save a life, even if it’s your own.