Wednesday, Sept. 29^th 7:00-8:00pm

"What is mental illness?"    "How does it impact individuals, families, and communities?"   "What resources are there to help?"   "When should I call 911, and what should I expect?"    "What about medicine?"     "What good is talk therapy?" 

These are some of the questions to be discussed by a panel of guests that includes: Angelina Hudson, Parent and Interim Executive Director NAMI; Omar Sesay, M. Ed., LPC-S, NCC, Top Level Counseling Center; Mike and Susan Schultz, Caregivers; and Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan.

Mental health affects everyone. Nearly 60 million Americans are affected by mental illness each year. Religion and spirituality can have a positive impact on mental health. Religion gives people something to believe in, provides a sense of structure and typically offers a group of people to connect with over similar beliefs. These facets can have a large positive impact on mental health—research suggests that religiosity reduces suicide rates, alcoholism and drug use.
   Bridges to Hope
        • Initiates social connections with other members
        • Creates a sense of belonging to a group
        • Offers trustworthy and safe social engagement
NAMI is here to provide the unique support, encouragement, education and advocacy that is unique to those with the lived experience.
Mental health is not only a social issue, but a public health issue. 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24. So, these are conditions of youth that for many continue through the lifetime. Early identification and intervention are key—and the tragic outcomes of failing to intervene with treatment and support are dire. Suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death in youth ages 14-24.