A national day of prayer is planned during Mental Illness Awareness Week ––  Sunday, Oct. 12 - Saturday, Oct. 18, for mental health recovery and understanding.

The Mental Health Task Force of Northwest Missouri is planning an ecumenical worship service at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the St. Francis Hospital chapel.
Pastor Susan Noakes said the Task Force hopes people touched by mental illness or anyone concerned will join in the service of prayer, music and hope.

"The prayers and actions of everyone are a part of restoring mental illness in America," Noakes said. "In seeking God's guidance, we can recommit ourselves to replacing misinformation, blame, fear, shame and prejudice with truth and love, in order to offer hope to all who are touched by mental illness."

Noakes said even in today's modern world people are still afraid and ashamed of seeking help for mental illness for themselves or their family. She said many try to hide the illness and in so doing fail to receive the prayers and support they would receive from their faith community and from friends if their loved one had any other illness or injury.

"It is time to speak out, pray out, and tell the story of mental illness," Noakes said. "It is time to remove the feeling of shame that goes with mental illness and focus on hope and the powers of modern medicine, counselors and friends to do God's work of healing."

According to the Web site www.mentalhealthamerica.net, Mental Health Month was created more than 50 years ago. The goal is to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness.

The theme for Mental Health Month 2008 is "get connected:"

• Get connected to family and friends to feel close and supported.

• Get connected to your community to feel a sense of belonging and purpose.

•  Get connected to professional help to feel better when you're stressed and having trouble coping.

If you or someone you know is in crisis now, seek help immediately. In Nodaway County and the surrounding areas, call the mental health department at St. Francis Hospital at (660) 562-7922 to be directed to the help you need.