Mental illnesses are far more common than cancer, diabetes, heart disease or arthritis. Our faith communities can be an important part of the recovery process through education, support and by helping individuals and families feel part of a caring community.
Key findings from data gathered by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services) include “the percent increase in suicide rates (in 2014) for females was greatest for those aged 10–14, and for males, those aged 45–64.”
Please join St. James Cathedral, St. Louise and St. Luke’s Parishes in our efforts to increase mental health awareness and decrease stigma by attending one or more of the following events:
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (MHFA) CERTIFICATION COURSE
Friday May 12th, 5-9pm AND Saturday May 13th, 10 am-2 pm (8 hour class)
Cost: $50 (Sliding scale fee available if needed)
Location: St. Louise Parish, Bellevue Info: Cathy Callans [email protected] or 425-614-6225
Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training course that teaches participants, through discussion, role playing, videos and exercises, how to recognize and address symptoms of mental health challenges and implement appropriate support strategies. It is an evidenced based program that is currently being taught in over 23 countries.
DE-ESCALATION TRAINING: IMPROVING SAFETY THROUGH PURPOSEFUL COMMUNICATION & BEHAVIOR
Date: Wednesday , May 17th
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: St. James Cathedral Pastoral Outreach Center
With empathy as a cornerstone, we can consciously influence individuals who are emotionally and behaviorally challenging in a healing way. Marty Reinsel, MA, LMHC, Clinical Educator and Therapist at Navos Psychiatric Hospital will teach basic intervention and de-escalation approaches including verbal and non-verbal communication, environmental and safety considerations and basic non-violent physical defense. Essential for all who volunteer and work in ministries providing outreach to our less advantaged brothers and sisters in Christ who experience serious mental illness and / or addiction. RSVP to Nancy Granger 206-382-4269 or [email protected]
MENTAL HEALTH OPEN FORUM
Date: Wednesday, May 24th
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: St. Louise Parish
Facilitated by: Cecilia P. Margret, MD, PhD, MPH (Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist Cathy Callans, MA, LMHC (St. Louise Pastoral Counselor)
This discussion will revolve around the mental health needs and concerns of our communities. Please come with questions and concerns related to your or a loved one’s mental health challenges. We are looking to assess the needs of our parish communities so that parish staff can better meet the identified needs. Contact Cathy at [email protected] or 425-614-6225
MENTAL HEALTH CONNECTIONS: EDUCATION, AWARENESS & HEALING IN THE SPIRIT
Date: Saturday May 27th
Time: 1 – 5pm
Location: St. Luke’s Catholic Parish in Shoreline
Email Anisa Ralls at [email protected] for more information.
Speakers include young adults, Deacon Jim Decker, Vietnam Vet Chuck Valen & other Mental Health Professionals. This event will feature an art exhibition of original works that depict stories of mental illness and healing and will conclude with the option to attend 5pm mass at St Luke Parish, which will include prayers for healing.
For more ideas on how to support efforts to help those who are impacted with mental illness, go to http://mentalhealthministries.net/.
If you are interested in going as a group, email [email protected] and we will connect you with other parishioners!