FACTS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS
- Mental illnesses are biologically based brain disorders. Like a thyroid disorder and diabetes, they must be treated medically and have nothing to do with moral fortitude.
- 1 in 4 American families has a loved one with a serious brain disorder.
- Family members suffer along with the individual who experiences the illness.
- Of those affected by mental illness, 50% will experience the onset of the brain disorder before the age of 15.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in the 10 to 24-year-old age group in Virginia, which is 6% higher than the national average.
- Over 90% of all suicides are the result of untreated or improperly treated brain disorders.
- Stigma surrounding mental illness prevents people from seeking treatment.
- Recovery is possible with appropriate medications, counseling, and supportive services.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
- (Jan. 2010) 2010 Session: Stay Informed and Express Your Opinion
- (Nov. 2009) Surviving thr Holidays
- (Nov. 2009) Invisible Struggles: Churches Learning to Help Individuals with Mental Illness
- (Aug. 2009) Financial Changes
- (Jul. 2009) Message from the Executive Director
- (Jul. 2009) CIT Petition Presentation
- (Jun. 2009) ADD/ADHD Series — Part 3
- (May 2009) Crisis Intervention Training
- (Apr. 2009) ADD/ADHD Series — Part 2
- (Mar. 2009) Congratulations to Friends 4 Recovery
- (Mar. 2009) ADD/ADHD Series — Part 1
- (Feb. 2009) A Message from the Executive Director
- (Jan. 2009) Movie Night — Canvas
- (Dec. 2008) 2008 Budget and Legislative Accomplishments
- (Nov. 2008) Surviving the Holidays
- (Sept. 2008) Remember FACES in your Charitable Giving
- (Sept. 2008) John Ficklin, New Executive Director of FACES
- (Jul. 2008) Part-Time Executive Director Job Description for FACES
- (Jul. 2008) Barbara Kunowsky retired as the Executive Director of Faces on July 18, 2008
- (Jul. 2008) Psycho educational programs help families cope with mental illness
- (Jul. 2008) Stress Management
- (Jul. 2008) Physical Reactions to Stress
- (Jun. 2008) Civil Commitment Law in Virginia
- (May 2008) Community Corrections, Mental Health partner for improved services
- (Apr. 2008) Web Sites
- (Mar. 2008) What Is Family Recovery? A Personal Story
- (Mar. 2008) Mental Health Care Needs To Be Consumer- and Family- Driven
- (Mar. 2008) Reduction in Relapses
- (Feb. 2008) An Excerpt from Barbara Kunowsky's talk at the opening of the VA Legislative Session
- (Feb. 2008) Your Vote and Your Voice Can Always Make a Difference!
- (Feb. 2008) Friends 4 Recovery
- (Jan. 2008) Want to Know What's Been Going On at FACES in 2007?
- (Dec. 2007) Happy Holidays
- (Dec. 2007) Surviving the Holidays
- (Dec. 2007) FACES Fundraiser 2007
- (Nov. 2007) Seminar Follow Up By Valerie Dalton
- (Nov. 2007) A US Department of Justice Report on Mental Illness in Jail Populations
- (Oct. 2007) Fighting Stigma Through Education and Compassion
- (Aug. 2007) Comments from Valerie Dalton Regarding Community Education Seminar
- (Jul. 2007) From the Board of Directors
- (Jun. 2007) Best Treatment and Recovery Programs for your Loved Ones
- (May 2007) FACES Response to the Events at Virginia Tech
- (Apr. 2007) Seed of Hope
- (Apr. 2007) Trusts for Disabled Family Members
- (Mar. 2007) Health Parity
- (Feb. 2007) Volunteer Opportunities 2007
- (Feb. 2007) Movie Reviews
- (Jan. 2007) Dual Diagnosis: Definition and Challenges
- (Jan. 2007) Chesterfield County Jail Diversion Program
WEBSITES OF INTEREST
- VOCAL
VOCAL is a nonprofit organization of people in recovery from mental illness. - Virginia General Assembly
Virginia General Assembly. Find out who your representatives are and what they stand for, read the newspaper, volunteer in your community, be aware of issues and how they affect you; realize that you can initiate change and remember that every vote counts. Your vote and your voice can always make a difference! Want to find out who your legislator is and how to contact them? Search for your representative using your address. Also read SB177 (Assisted outpatient treatment program; established for severely mentally ill) and SB246 (Involuntary commitment; establishes new standard for outpatient commitment). - The Treatment Advocacy Center
The Treatment Advocacy Center is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers to the timely and effective treatment of severe mental illnesses. TAC promotes laws, policies, and practices for the delivery of psychiatric care and supports the development of innovative treatments for and research into the causes of severe and persistent psychiatric illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. - Andrew’s Buddies Corporation
Andrew’s Buddies Corporation (also known as "FightSMA") was created to accelerate the search for a treatment and cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the number-one inherited cause of infant death. The organization pursues this objective by raising awareness and funding for SMA research. - James Web Development
A New York City-based web design company specializing in custom-made designs for your business needs.
Book List
- Firewalkers: Radically Rethinking Mental Health
A different way of viewing mental health, a deeper understanding of what it means and what is possible.