Mental health fair at Mt. Zion Baptist Church seeks to educate public and address stigma of mental disorders
Albany HeraldMay 09, 2022
May 9—ALBANY — The COVID-19 pandemic didn't just have a devastating effect on society in terms of deaths and patients with long-term health problems; it also had a major impact on mental health in terms of individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD and other issues.
A recent study indicated 50 percent of Georgians have suffered from anxiety or depression since the pandemic began. During the pandemic drug overdoses and deaths shot up. And calls to the state's mental health crisis line increased by 24 percent.
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month,
The community fair starts at
"We're trying to accomplish, one, communicating to our area information about mental health and the fact that mental health does affect many people, particularly after COVID," said
"Mental illness is a disease that affects mind, body and spirit. We invite anyone who wants to know more about mental health or if they're concerned about a loved one or just want to know more about resources that are available. We feel like we've got an excellent program."
And this year the
The legislation, HB 1013, also requires insurance companies to cover mental health care the same way as other health conditions.
"It should help Georgians assess affordable and effective mental health treatment," Richardson said. "That is good. Those funds will allow organizations to have additional programs and hire staff so that people can be treated."
Mt. Zion started a mental health ministry in
"The goal for Mt. Zion this year was to bring not only Mt. Zion members to the table but the community to remove the stigma of mental health and mental illness so people can address the struggles they're having," Dandridge said. "We believe by starting out with awareness, we can address the stigma.
"We came up with the idea of having this community forum instead of having members sit around a table. This is part of a collaboration between all the different agencies and resources that are available. There are a lot of resources available, but I'm not sure everybody is aware of those resources."
Since churches often are on the "front battle line" as the place where individuals with mental health issues go for assistance, Mt. Zion will next look to spread the message to other churches in the area.
"If someone came to the church and they were bleeding, we would pray for them, but we would also make sure they have access to all the resources they need," Dandridge said. "The same should be true for mental health."
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