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There is a plethora of types of mental illnesses and eccentricities as well as their impacts on not only the lives of the inflicted but those of their families, associates, and general society. Almost half of mental disorders go undiagnosed and perhaps almost a third of the diagnoses are incorrect. Any catalog of recognized mental illnesses probably is a work in progress subject to later developments. The American Psychiatric Association recently released its latest catalog, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition: DSM-5. It lists criteria for the identification of the currently recognized mental illnesses; however, it does not venture into the treatments. While proper identification is critical for determining appropriate treatment, classification plays a significant role in legal decisions and access to valuable programs. Most mentally ill people are not dangerous, but how do you recognize and help those that may be suicidal, and those few that could become mass shooters? In 43 mass shootings over the last four years, none of the shooters was prohibited due to mental health by federal law, from having a gun.

How can we be aware of mental illness issues important to our lives? The National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI (www.nami.org), advocates for mental health services, treatments, education, and research. There are hundreds of NAMI State Organizations working to raise awareness and providing free education and support-group programs. NAMI South Bay (www.namisouthbay.com) meets monthly and has a number of sub-groups for more specific needs such as the Peer-to- Peer group for mentally-ill persons and the Family Support Group, which has separate groups for English, Spanish, and Japanese speakers.

To facilitate an understanding of mental-health issues and available support sources in our community St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church will host a Mental Health Awareness Sunday on November 3rd. The program will have five parts: 9:30 – 10:45 am  Worship Service with focus on mental health, 10:45 – 11:15 am Complimentary Brunch, 11:15 – Noon  NAMI “In Our Own Voices” speakers with compelling personal stories, Noon – 12:45 pm  Psychiatrist talks about myths and reality of common mental illnesses, 12:45 – 1:30 pm  Questions & Answers. Everyone is warmly invited to attend any or all parts of this event. St. Luke’s is located at 26825 Rolling Hills Road, Rolling Hills Estates CA 90274. For more information call (310) 377-2825 (Monday through Friday between 9 am and 1 pm).