Invite Your Community: Oct. 9 and 11 Webinars on Depression and Mental Health for Faith Leaders

FREE WEBINARS ADDRESS DEPRESSION AND MENTAL HEALTH TIPS FOR CLERGY
OCTOBER 9 & 11, REGISTRATION OPEN

Depression: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Webinar registration at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/224381306

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct. 7–13, the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is holding a free webinar, "Understanding Depression: How to Help Yourself or a Loved One" on Thursday, October 11, 2:00–3:30 pm EDT.

The webinar answers questions like: How can you tell if you or someone you know is simply feeling blue or experiencing clinical depression? How does depression affect your ability to work, to carry out usual daily activities, and to have satisfying personal relationships? Can depression be treated? Where do you turn for help?

Cheryl Sharp, MSW, ALWF, Special Advisor for Trauma-Informed Services, shares the story of her struggle with depression and explains the steps and missteps on her road to recovery. Bryan Gibb, lead Mental Health First Aid trainer, sheds light on the common signs, symptoms and risk factors for depression and other mood disorders.

A moderated Facebook chat immediately following the webinar answers questions about depression. Log in to https://www.facebook.com/TheNationalCouncil

Who: 
Speakers: Cheryl Sharp, MSW, ALWF, Special Advisor for Trauma-Informed Services and Bryan Gibb, Director of Public Education, National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare

What:
Webinar: "Understanding Depression: How to Help Yourself or a Loved One"

Where:
Register free at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/224381306

When:
Thursday, October 11, 2:00–3:30 pm EDT

Why: 
The webinar discusses the signs, symptoms and treatment options and resources for depression.

Clergy Called to Address Mental Health Challenges

Webinar registration at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/517094554

To help clergy better recognize the warning signs of mental illness and avoid potential crises in their congregations, the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is holding a free webinar, "Call to Clergy: How to Support Mental Health Challenges in Your Congregation" on Tuesday, October 9, 1:00–2:30 pm EDT.

October 9 is the National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding.

Though seldom trained about mental health problems, clergy are often called upon to support people struggling with mental health challenges. The webinar uses Mental Health First Aid, a groundbreaking public education program, to help clergy recognize the warning signs of mental illness, avert or resolve crises and connect congregants to professional, peer and other appropriate help.

Faith leaders and Mental Health First Aid instructors who have worked extensively with Christian, Jewish, and Islamic faith communities will share their stories and explain why Mental Health First Aid is an essential piece of a faith-based toolkit.

One in five Americans suffers from a mental illness, but the stigma around mental illness causes many to suffer in silence.

Who:    Speakers: Jermine Alberty, Mental Health First Aid Training Director, Missouri Institute of Mental Health; Zahra Dashtaki, Substance Abuse Counselor, Columbia, MO; Para Rabbi Lesley Levin, President/CEO, Behavioral Health Response, Kansas City, MO

What:        
Webinar: "Call to Clergy: How to Support Mental Health Challenges in Your Congregation"

Where:
Register free at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/517094554

When: 
Tuesday, October 9, 1:00–2:30 pm EDT

Why: 
To help clergy recognize the warning signs of mental illness, avert or resolve crises and connect congregants to professional, peer and other appropriate help.

The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is a not-for-profit association of nearly 2,000 organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation for mental illnesses and addiction disorders to more than eight million adults, children and families in communities across the country. Learn more at www.TheNationalCouncil.org.

Contact: Meena Dayak, 202-684-3728

SOURCE National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare