JFCS continues conversation on mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. One in five Americans is affected by mental health conditions, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “Stigma is toxic to their mental health because it creates an environment of shame, fear and silence that prevents many people from seeking help and treatment. The perception of mental illness won’t change unless we act to change it.”
Last fall, JFCS was honored to help launch an interfaith discussion on mental health and was excited to continue the conversation earlier this week with “Learning from Each Other: A Continuing Interfaith Conversation on Mental Health.”
The event was held at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis and was hosted by the church, JFCS and Jewish Family Service of St. Paul (JFS). Minnesota’s nationally recognized Crisis Intervention Training presented a role play at the event, which also included a discussion of issues relevant to faith communities and a selection of art from “To Really See,” a traveling exhibit challenging stigma around mental illness and the medication-taking experience.
Rev. Beth Faeth of Plymouth Congregational Church
“Faith communities are at their best when we look beyond our own doors and build bridges with other faith organizations,” said Rev. Beth Faeth of Plymouth Congregational Church in her welcoming remarks.
Save the date for the 18th Annual Twin Cities Jewish Community Mental Health Education Conference on Oct. 21!
If you or someone you know needs support living with mental illness, JFCS can help. Please call 952-546-0616 or visit www.jfcsmpls.org for more information.