Grace for Mental Illness
Recently, a friend called me in great distress because a mutual friend of ours was in her apartment, experiencing some kind of psychotic episode. Our friend was threatening to jump off the 14th floor balcony. I told her to hang up and call 911 immediately. The paramedics arrived within minutes, and our friend was soon transported to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation.
For emergencies like this one, calling 911 is the right thing to do. But many times, friends, family members and church members experience difficulties with depression or exhibit symptoms of other mental health problems that are not immediately life-threatening. Do you know about available and affordable mental health resources? Do you know how your church can be an instrument of health for the approximately 27% of your membership struggling with mental health issues?
Attend the "Grace for the Afflicted" mental health seminar for faith communities on Thursday, December 6, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church, Dallas. The guest speaker is Dr. Matthew Stanford, professor of psychology, neuroscience and biomedical studies at Baylor University. I have heard him speak on a couple of different occasions, and I have read his book, Grace for the Afflicted. This workshop is worth your time! Fee is $10, which includes lunch.
The workshop is sponsored by Body Oak Cliff, Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, NAMI Dallas, and DBA (lunch sponsor).
Body Oak Cliff is doing some great Kingdom work!