MONROE - Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), slated for Monday, Oct. 7 through Saturday, Oct. 13, is an opportunity to learn more about serious mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, local mental health advocates say.
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," said Conni Bigler, board member of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Green County Inc. "The good news is that treatment does work and recovery is possible."
Bigler said her own son took his life on Oct. 8, 2007.
"Trevor was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his late teens and received medication. I was so ignorant about mental illness. Essentially I expected the symptoms to disappear. As he got older and lived on his own, I believed that his erratic behavior at times was due to his youth and his lifestyle. Most often those with mental health disorders will self medicate with alcohol or drugs. When we fully realized that Trevor's mental health was deteriorating and that his illness had taken over, it was too late," Bigler said.
"As a parent it is hard not to struggle with 'blame' issues. Every time I read of another young person who has taken their life, my heart goes out to the parents."
"Bridges of Hope" is a Powerpoint program developed by NAMI Faithnet to connect those living with serious mental illness and faith communities. It is designed for both clergy and congregations. The free program will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 at Grace Lutheran Church.
The Green County group will also take part in a fundraiser Sunday, Oct. 7 in Madison. "Trevor's Team" will join NAMI Dane County at Olin Turville Park at noon. This will be the fourth walk for "Trevor's Team."
"We walk not only in memory of Trevor, but for the future of those affected by mental health disorders." In the last four years, the team has raised more than $10,000, half of which comes back to NAMI Green County.
To walk or to donate, call Bigler at (608) 558-9169 or clbigler@gmail.com.
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," said Conni Bigler, board member of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Green County Inc. "The good news is that treatment does work and recovery is possible."
Bigler said her own son took his life on Oct. 8, 2007.
"Trevor was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his late teens and received medication. I was so ignorant about mental illness. Essentially I expected the symptoms to disappear. As he got older and lived on his own, I believed that his erratic behavior at times was due to his youth and his lifestyle. Most often those with mental health disorders will self medicate with alcohol or drugs. When we fully realized that Trevor's mental health was deteriorating and that his illness had taken over, it was too late," Bigler said.
"As a parent it is hard not to struggle with 'blame' issues. Every time I read of another young person who has taken their life, my heart goes out to the parents."
"Bridges of Hope" is a Powerpoint program developed by NAMI Faithnet to connect those living with serious mental illness and faith communities. It is designed for both clergy and congregations. The free program will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 at Grace Lutheran Church.
The Green County group will also take part in a fundraiser Sunday, Oct. 7 in Madison. "Trevor's Team" will join NAMI Dane County at Olin Turville Park at noon. This will be the fourth walk for "Trevor's Team."
"We walk not only in memory of Trevor, but for the future of those affected by mental health disorders." In the last four years, the team has raised more than $10,000, half of which comes back to NAMI Green County.
To walk or to donate, call Bigler at (608) 558-9169 or clbigler@gmail.com.