Cypress church plans conference on mental illness issues

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church will host a conference Jan. 25 to provide information and support for those seeking help with a mental illness, which affects one in four individuals.

"We recognize that people come to us and say they don't know where to go, or they know other people in their lives who talk about having various struggles," said Robyn Bishop, associate pastor. "We thought it would be great to offer a community event and have counselors come and share resources and offer a day of education and learning so people can hear about these issues."

The conference kicks off with a 2-hour presentation by nonprofit Grace Alliance, which will cover a broad spectrum of mental health issues.

"We talk about physical ailments more easily than mental illness, so I'm hoping we will come away not being afraid or ashamed, and people who are mentally ill won't be defined by it," Bishop said.

After the first presentation, guests will attend two breakout sessions of their choice followed by a panel discussion. Breakout discussion topics include children with anxiety and ADHD, suicide, addictions, personality disorders and how to manage stress and grief.

"One in four people will be affected by mental illness, but all of us are impacted by it," Bishop said. "We need to have a greater awareness and knowledge of it so we can be a stronger community."

Guests can pre-register for the event at www.goodchurch.us. The event, which lasts from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. and costs $35, is geared toward adults, but children under the age of 18 are welcome if they attend with a parent.