NAACP discusses community's need for mental health
Bay TimesMay 02, 2018
QUEENSTOWN -
Several traditional musical selections were sung by all, beginning with "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" by famed composer
Singing group Friends in Faith, compising
Jones said, "I've had the pleasure of knowing her since ..." She paused as laughter came from the audience. Cain is her daughter and a 1992 graduate of Queen Anne's
Cain said she felt "back home." Personal childhood friends were in the audience. She talked freely defining "mental health," "What is mental illness?" "What are the causes of mental illness?" She provided clinical definitions with many personal insights from years of experience.
Cain said, "Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the
Major mental illnesses experienced by one in every 25 Americans are schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
Cain made a point of saying many disorders are caused by substance use. Her work has been with many veterans suffering from different conditions of service to the nation while in the military.
She said, "Please don't try to diagnose yourself. Why is it so hard for us to go get help? People feel shamed, don't want to be embarrassed or feel I'm different."
She encouraged people to be a friend to those who may be having problems. "Offer to go with them to a doctor so they don't feel alone," she said. "Don't use words like ?illness.' Use words like ?wellness.' It's important people start receiving help. I believe in God, but I also believe in therapy. We got to do more than pray. Faith without works is dead!"
Cain received a standing ovation as she concluded.
She was followed by Abundant Life Ministry
She enthusiastically reinforced what Cain said about the importance of seeking help for mental health issues, agreeing faith without works is dead.
Before concluding the program, the Freedom Fund Community Achievement Award was presented to the Rev.
The program concluded with prayer and singing "We Shall Overcome."