MHA Bell Logo Mental
Health
Association
of Greater St. Louis		 1905 S. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63104
314-773-1399
Info@mhagstl.org

  
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 Learn more about the programs and services provided by the Mental Health Association of Greater St. Louis  Click here to return to Home Page  Click here to see the latest quarterly issue of Street Talk, the newsletter for Law Enforcement professionals in the St. Louis metro area.  Click here for addresses and phone numbers of St. Louis area mental health, advocacy, and other organizations.  This is a quick self-administered checklist to help you determine whether you may be at risk for depression.  Click here for links to the websites of other mental health oriented organizations in St. Louis and around the country.  Click here for information about fundraising events, Shelter Training Series, and more.
 Get the answers to frequently asked questions about mental health topics and issues.  Want to join the Mental Health Association as a volunteer or a donor? Click here for more information and a convenient sign-up form.  Clear up many false assumptions and myths about mental illness and mental health.  Mental Health professionals! A page devoted to your concerns, including information on upcoming continuing education programs.  A special message from Jim House, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Greater St. Louis.  An archive of information on the Missouri Legislature's activity in the mental health area.  You can go to the website of Behavioral Health Response, a 24 hour mental health crisis service in St. Louis, or talk to a counselor by calling 1-800-811-4760.

Open Mind

Open Mind is a weekly column in which questions regarding mental health issues are answered by professionals.  Open Mind appears in many editions of the Suburban Journal and other newspapers in Missouri.  This is an archived column.  Click here to browse other archived topics.

My son has schizophrenia, and there are times when it is very difficult to deal with the symptoms of his illness. In addition, friends and family do not understand this disease. I have been feeling frustrated and want to know how to get support for myself and information for my friends and family.

Schizophrenia is a very complex illness in which the person can experience many types of symptoms. The illness not only affects your loved one, but is an illness that affects the entire family in one way or another. Understanding the complexity and indeed, frustration of such a dreadful illness can be an almost overwhelming endeavor.

There is so much misinformation from the public media, and so much stigma still, that separating wheat from chaff is a hard task. It is very important to get as much information about schizophrenia so you can understand why your son acts or does what he does. Education is extremely important so you can help others (family and friends) understand what is occurring and why. Schizophrenia is a horrid disease, but one that is treatable. No one is responsible, especially parents, and the more information you have, the better able you are to answer questions. Most importantly, with more information you will be better equipped to help your son.

Do not feel you need to walk on "eggshells" to keep peace in your home. Learn to set limits. Do not take things personally. It is an illness that affects mood, thoughts and perceptions. Remember, when caring for someone with any type of illness, it is also important to take care of yourself.

Christian Hospital Northeast is offering a one-day workshop on "Living with Mental Illness" for family members and friends of people with schizophrenia. This workshop will be on October 25th, 2003 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 314-362-WELL for more information and to register. Additionally, STEPSSM is an on-going program that has been in existence since 1985 at Christian Hospital Northeast. STEPSSM (Schizophrenia Treatment and Education Programs) is, just as the name says . . . a treatment program with education as a core component. Support groups for family members and for persons with schizophrenia are available at Christian Hospital. Feel free to call to get information about times and places. Other services are available through community organizations such as NAMI-St. Louis (314-966-4670) and the Mental Health Association (314-773-1399).

Jan Roe, RN and Garry Vickar, MD, FRCPC, DFAPA
Christian Hospital
St. Louis, MO
314-839-3171
800-447-4301

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