Mental Health Awareness Presentation

Compelling personal stories from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) affiliates will be shared in an effort to put a human face on people who are living successfully with a mental illness.  My goal is to open the door for a greater understanding of individuals who suffer from mental illness by providing Polk County residents with education on the cause and effects of mental illness.  A mental disorder is a disease just like any other illness. It is nothing to be ashamed of but can become unmanageable if hidden or otherwise not taken seriously.  Discussing your symptoms freely is an vital step towards recovery.  Information concerning local resources for medical treatment and counseling will also be provided. 

Therapist and author, Melissa H. Cook, LPC, will be discussing her latest book co-authored with Karyn D. Hall, PhD, The Power of Validation.  This book focuses on how to recognize and accept your child's thoughts and feelings, regardless of whether or not you feel that your child should be experiencing them.  According to Ms. Cook, children who are not validated are more vulnerable to peer pressure, bullying, and emotional and behavioral problems.  Mastering this powerful skill is an important step towards preventing and/or minimizing the negative effects of mental illness in our community's young people.