Events

Mental Health Series: Building Resilience, Strengthening Hope

Pope Benedict XVI dedicated the Celebration for the 14th World Day of the Sick in 2006 to those who suffer from mental illness. In his Message for that day he stated:

“On this occasion, the Church intends to bow down over those who suffer with special concern, calling the attention of public opinion to the problems connected with mental disturbance that now afflicts one-fifth of humanity and is a real social-health care emergency…”

He called for a new and better approach in dealing with mental ill-health which called for better medical treatment for people with ill health as well as better treatment of them as persons. He also expressed his hope that the wider community would be more understanding of people with mental health issues and those that care for them many of whom are unpaid as they are family members or volunteers.

Who should participate: parents, grandparents, youth ministers, directors/coordinators of religious education, teachers and catechists.

First Session

• Learn more about mental health
  – Facts
  – What is mental illness?
  – What are warning signs?
  – How is mental illness treated?
  – How to talk to kids about mental illness?
• Hear from a panel of professionals: representation from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), clinical psychologist, paramedics-fire department, social worker and a police officer.
• Meet people from beyond your own parish.

The event is free; however, attendance is limited to the first 200 to register. Registration is highly recommended at conta.cc/3DThLtV. A digital Mental Health Resource Guide will be available at the event. For questions, please contact Marta Stepniak at mstepniak@archchicago.org.