Dr. Tyler Rodgers of Scout Counseling
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. To address the important topic of mental health, Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church will hold a series of seminars on three Wednesday nights, April 20, 27 and May 4 from 6-8 p.m. in the church’s Woodward Hall, 612 James Blvd.
The statistics are staggering – half of all adults will suffer from mental illness in their lifetime; half of all chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14; one in five children will have a mental illness by age 18; ninety percent of people who die by suicide also had mental illness.
Sixty million Americans – that’s one in five adults – will experience a mental illness in the coming year.
That means every one of us knows someone who is living with a mental illness – depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, an eating disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and some additionally have a substance abuse problem. Dr. Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States warns, “Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults are real, and they are widespread.”
But there is hope. Mental illness is just that – an illness – and as such, treatment is available. Mental illness often requires medication and treatment by mental health professionals for management and improved health. But the faith community also has a vital role to play. According to Rev. Paul Manuel, the Congregational Care Pastor at Signal Mountain Presbyterian, “The Church is tasked with caring for the whole person – body, mind and soul – and that means we must recognize and care for the person who is affected by any illness, including mental illness. This should include intentionally coming alongside people living with mental illness and supporting their families.”
The seminar will feature keynote speakers: Dr. Tyler Rodgers of Scout Counseling; Dr. Monty Burks, Director of Faith Based Initiatives Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; and Blake Feagans of Roots Counseling; as well as breakout sessions.
Topics to be addressed include types, causes and treatments of mental illness; effects of the COVID pandemic on mental health; the addiction crisis; how families are affected by mental illness; and more.
These free seminars is sponsored by the Stephen Ministry of SMPC. For more information about the seminars and to register visit signalpres.org or call 423 886-2190.