Well, I signed up for Twitter tonight. And what a time I'm having trying to find my way around - figuring out the how and what of the thing. I'm such a klutz when it comes to the internet and to learn new things on the computer. Maybe my age? But I still "feel" young.
After a week of feeling rather down, I'm now back to my energetic self. I got a lot done yesterday and today.
I'll probably be doing a presentation at a major bookstore and a signing at another bookstore during Mental Health Week, May 4 - 10. Now I'm trying to put together a press release that will do a good job of getting the word out to the media. The writing is not easy for me right now. I've done so little lately, my writing muscles are stiff and not moving very well. Yet writing is such an important part of my work.
What I would like to talk about is how the church can be supportive of people with mood disorders - especially by sponsoring support groups like Living Room.
Yesterday I heard about someone with bipolar disorder taking his life - someone I worked with on Living Room. Such a shock that was. With 15% of bipolar people dying by suicide the importance of good support is of utmost importance. I was deeply saddened by the news, but determined more than ever to do what I can to raise awareness.
Showing posts with label mental health week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mental health week. Show all posts
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Mental health week at church
This Sunday's church service is one I very much look forward to. In honor of Mental Health Week (May 7 - 13) our pastor will present a sermon with the title "Out of the Shadows." He will talk about being a caring community for those who are dealing with mental health problems. Three of the members of our Living Room group will talk about their experience with depression and bipolar disorder.
I am so very grateful to have this pastor who has been enthusiastic to learn about mental health problems. He is eager to help in any way he can to provide a church that will give a Christ-like response to those dealing with such problems. Because of his encouragement, and the encouragement of others in the church, Living Room came about and has become a thriving support program, one that is now benefitting over 25 individuals. This support provided me with the courage to facilitate the group.
It is the love and support of this church community, as well as the inspiration provided by Pastor Don's weekly sermons, that encouraged me to write my book, A Firm Place to Stand.
What my pastor and my church, Brentwood Park Alliance Church, is doing to be supportive of people with mental health issues is an example of how well followers of Christ can be of help. For a Christian who struggles with such problems there is nothing as important (next to medication, that is). When I struggle with depression I know there are friends who will be there for me and pray for me. I know they won't be judgmental or say that I'm not right with God. That is great comfort.
If you are reading this and would like to attend our mental health service this Sunday (May 6th) you would be very welcome. The address is 1410 Delta Avenue, Burnaby (close to Brentwood Mall). Service starts at 10:30. And there is no need to dress up.
I am so very grateful to have this pastor who has been enthusiastic to learn about mental health problems. He is eager to help in any way he can to provide a church that will give a Christ-like response to those dealing with such problems. Because of his encouragement, and the encouragement of others in the church, Living Room came about and has become a thriving support program, one that is now benefitting over 25 individuals. This support provided me with the courage to facilitate the group.
It is the love and support of this church community, as well as the inspiration provided by Pastor Don's weekly sermons, that encouraged me to write my book, A Firm Place to Stand.
What my pastor and my church, Brentwood Park Alliance Church, is doing to be supportive of people with mental health issues is an example of how well followers of Christ can be of help. For a Christian who struggles with such problems there is nothing as important (next to medication, that is). When I struggle with depression I know there are friends who will be there for me and pray for me. I know they won't be judgmental or say that I'm not right with God. That is great comfort.
If you are reading this and would like to attend our mental health service this Sunday (May 6th) you would be very welcome. The address is 1410 Delta Avenue, Burnaby (close to Brentwood Mall). Service starts at 10:30. And there is no need to dress up.
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