Mental Illness Awareness Week
OCT. 1-7

Faith leaders are often not informed about mental illness and may not know how to provide appropriate pastoral care to families living with mental illnesses. For this reason, United Methodists are encouraged to observe the first week of October which is designated as Mental Illness Awareness Week. Help United Methodist Church communities prepare educational opportunities and resources to help those in need.

Individuals that struggle with a mental illness will often abuse substances as a way of self medicating. The latest Federal Household Survey reports that more than 23 million Americans over the age of 12 meet the criteria for alcohol and drug dependence. Pathway to Promise Ministry and Mental Illness offer a variety of resources to help people cope with addiction or depression that will also aid your church to respond.

Visit Pathways to Promise for resources, and visit the following sites to share with your local church community:

• Visit www.congregationalresources.com for a comprehensive list of resources.
• Visit www.mentalhealthscreening.org to take part in National Depression Screening Day and for screening sites in your area.
• Visit www.recoverymonth.gov to obtain a video testimony where three people share their stories of addiction and depression that end in recovery and hope.