Let’s Talk About Mental Health: Community Conversations 10/30 & 11/13

The public is invited to participate in a conversation about mental health in our community. Fairfield’s chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will host two evenings of conversation, on October 30th and November 13th from 6:00-9:00 PM.

One in four adults − approximately 61.5 million Americans − struggle with mental illness, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress disorder.[1]

Nearly 5 million children have some type of serious mental illness that interferes with their daily life.[2] 

These far-reaching statistics reveal that mental illness affects all of us. Many families in Fairfield have been impacted by mental illness and the tragic consequences that can occur when adequate systems and supports don’t exist or aren’t accessible. The heartbreaking events in Newtown last December have particular resonance as families, educators and public officials struggle to address the need for effective interventions and meaningful support. 

Earlier this year, President Barack Obama called for “national conversation(s) to increase understanding about mental health.” As the region’s leading advocate for people living with mental illness and their families, NAMI encourages community members to attend its two-part event; Concerned parents and high school students, senior citizens and civic leaders, and consumers and their family members all offer valuable insight and perspectives that contribute towards solutions.  

Topics of discussion will include:

·      What does mental health mean to me? To us as a community? 

·      What are the challenges and factors we should consider? 

·      What are our primary challenges and concerns? 

·      What can we do to support young people? 

·      What interventions are needed? 

·      What steps do we want and need to take as a community?

Your voice is critical! You don’t need to be an expert to participate - just a concerned member of the community. And while mental health is a serious topic, the evening will be interactive and engaging! By the end of the two-evening effort, participants will have identified innovative, community-based solutions to address mental health issues.

Community Conversations will take place at the First Congregational Church, 148 Beach Road, in Fairfield from 6-9 pm on Wednesday, October 30th and Wednesday, November 13th. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited, so please take advantage of early registration.

Please join us for one or both of the Conversations, and thanks for being part of the Solution! For more information, go to http://creatingcommunitysolutions.org. To register, please go to http://healthymindsct.org/.

[1] National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). 2013 http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/1ANYDIS_ADULT.shtml

[2] http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-illness-children.