CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

'#Feelbetter' event to promote mental health wellness in Merced

Merced Sun-Star (CA) - 10/15/2014

Oct. 15--Several organizations in Merced are teaming up to put on a mental health wellness informational event Friday night. The event, '#Feelbetter,' will feature guest speakers and local youths who will discuss symptoms, resources and other issues dealing with mental health.

The event will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the cafeteria of Yosemite High School, 1900 G St.

According to Alyssa Castro, one of the event organizers, mental health is something that desperately needs to be discussed in the community and among people of all ages.

"You don't have to be experiencing mental illness to come to the event," Castro said. "You can come and gather resources for someone you know that may be affected by mental illness.

"It's a great opportunity to meet new people with similar concerns and share coping strategies," she added.

The National Alliance for Mental Illness describes a mental illness as a medical condition that disrupts a person's feelings, mood and thinking ability. Mental illnesses can include depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Because recovery is possible, it is important to connect community members with resources, Castro said.

A report released in July by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research states that more than 300,000 children in California need mental health care, but only 1 in 4 are receiving treatment.

Officials at the Merced Children's System of Care estimate that in Merced County there are 2,060 children between the ages of 4 and 11 who need mental health services. It is estimated that of these, 1,875 children have received some sort of support from Merced County'sMental Health Department.

The event is free and appropriate for both youths and adults, Castro said.

Information and resources will be provided by NAMI Merced County, California Mental Health Services Authority, Building Healthy Communities and We'Ced Youth Media.

Sun-Star staff writer Ana B. Ibarra can be reached at (209) 385-2486 or aibarra@mercedsunstar.com.

___

(c)2014 the Merced Sun-Star (Merced, Calif.)

Visit the Merced Sun-Star (Merced, Calif.) at www.mercedsunstar.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services