Public needs info on mental illness
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) takes place Oct. 2-8 and is an opportunity to learn more about serious mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Mental illnesses are medical illnesses. One in four adults experiences a mental health problem in any given year. One in 17 lives with serious, chronic illness. Many people in our community are directly affected by mental illness. The good news is that treatment does work and recovery is possible!
The U.S. Surgeon General has reported that stigma is a major barrier to people seeking help. That’s why MIAW is so important.
The Rowan Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) wants people to understand mental illness and join a dialogue in our community. The more people know, the better they can help themselves or help their loved ones get the care and support they need.
In observance of this week, these events will be held locally:
• Sunday: Candlelight vigil and healing service; plus memorial for Mark Vanhoy, led by Pastor Bill Battermann, 7:30 p.m., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1908 Statesville Blvd.
• Monday: Bubbles/balloons for celebration; brochures available; in front of County Administrative Offices on West Innes Street (across from Salisbury Post) from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Tuesday: NAMI Support Group; all are welcome; 7-8 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
• Thursday: Celebration of Success Lunch; 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Rowan Public Library. The public is welcome.
NAMI Rowan provides support, education and advocacy for individuals and families living with mental illness. We are a volunteer organization whose members have understanding and knowledge gained from lived experience.
We meet the first and third Tuesday of the month at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
— Peggy Mangold
Salisbury
Mangold is president of NAMI Rowan. For more information, call 704-640-8811.
Workers are many
There is a verse in the Bible about how the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Today we would probably say the harvest (jobs) are few, but the workers are the plentiful.
But this story has a different purpose. In the card ministry for our soldiers, many people are willing to donate used cards for recycling but have little interest in making new cards or doing the recycling. I can understand that, but when one sees a need and has time, help will be appreciated by all.
If you are over 50, single, divorced, widowed or just plain lonely, you could join us at Piedmont Singles at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church fellowship building at 1908 Statesville Blvd. at 7 p.m. today. Bring a covered dish and a pair of scissors to use in cutting faces off the used cards. This is a good opportunity to meet new folks.
If you would like to make a donation toward mailing costs, send a check to Linda Beck, 717 Lochshire Lane, Woodleaf, NC 27054.
It is one thing we can do for our soldiers who do so much for us. Sometimes folks ask why I spend so much time continuing to do this after seven years, and I tell them I guess I will do it until the soldiers come home from the war-torn countries.
I have received many thank-you notes, but the one that touched my heart and told me God was giving me a new ministry was when a commanding officer sent me a note telling how much the soldiers loved the cards but how bad he felt when they came back and asked for another card and he had to tell them they were all gone.
Please help us continue to make the harvest of cards plentiful!
— Linda Beck
Woodleaf