Alliance on Mental Illness holds candlelight service of hope
The National Alliance on Mental Illness in Delaware Candlelight Service of Hope and Remembrance, titled Shining Light Into Darkness, was held Sept. 30 at the Bandstand and in All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Rehoboth Beach.
The service started with a welcome at the Bandstand, followed by a walk to the north end of the Boardwalk then back to All Saints’. During the service, the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Ensemble performed. This was followed by individuals telling stories of mental illness and recovery.
Joshua Thomas, executive director of NAMI Delaware, welcomed the participants. Thomas said, “The reason we are here today is because we are drawing attention to the importance of mental health in our community here in Sussex and statewide in Delaware. We believe that mental health is like any other health condition. It’s not something that should carry the level of stigma that it does. And it should be something we should talk about and we can address like any other health condition.”
The Rev. Deacon Susan Phillips performed the candlelighting service.
She read the Candlelight Litany. The first candle: We pray for people who have died as a result of mental illness. Second candle: We pray for people who struggle with mental illness in their homes, on the streets and in prison and jails. Third candle: We pray in thanksgiving for people to offer support, openness and compassion; family members, other caregivers, professional providers, faith communities and public officials.
Rich Polcolpa spoke about losing his job as a principal because of his clinical depression. He recovered and was denied his former job. If he had had a heart attack he would have been rehired, but, because of mental illness, he was denied the position, even though daily meds helped him in recovery. “You can be treated for depression.” Polcopo now works for the Boys & Girls Club. “We should treat mental illness as an illness of the body,” he said.
For more information on NAMI, go to www.namidelaware.org.
