With one in four adults experiencing a mental-health condition every year, families and friends need to know how to help and respond appropriately. Ellen Ritz, the president of the National Alliance for Mental Illness Queens/Nassau, will address the issue at Temple Beth Sholom on Thursday, Jan. 3 at 8 p.m. The community is welcome and there is no charge. The event is sponsored by the Temple’s Sisterhood.
The prevalence of mental-health conditions in children and adolescents is also significant and, according to NAMI, on the rise. Approximately one in five youths aged 13 to 18 experiences a severe mental disorder in a given year. Research shows that early diagnosis and treatment of children with serious mood or thought disorders significantly improves their long-term chances for success. Half of mental-health conditions begin by age 14 and 75 percent of mental-health conditions develop by age 24. Early engagement and support are crucial to improving outcomes and increasing the promise of recovery. Find help in a crisis.
In addition to a person directly experiencing a mental illness, family, friends and communities are also affected. Ritz speaks often on these issues and looks forward to enlightening us of this family and community problem.
Temple Beth Sholom is located at 401 Roslyn Road in Roslyn Heights.
