Support groups for mental illness

The Queens/Long Island Counseling Services of the Foundation for Religion and Mental Health announces free support groups and events for people living with mental illness at Oceanside Lutheran Church at 55 Fairview Ave., Oceanside.

The support group focusing on bipolar disorder is offered on alternate Monday evenings, starting Oct. 19, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. The suicide attempt survivors support group is offered on alternate Monday evenings, starting Oct. 26, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Gather with others living with bipolar and together find the support, strength and skills to better cope with these battles. Bi-weekly sessions are confidential and facilitated by the staff. For information and registration call 516-547-4318 or email FRMH@optonline.net.

StrentheningCommunity: How to Support People Who Struggle with Depression and Suicide is a free community event on Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Through interactive sessions and conversation, the event will explore how to healthily support and empathize with those you love who struggle with depression and suicide. Co-sponsors include the Queens/Long Island Counseling Services of FRMH, Oceanside Lutheran Church, LI Council of Churches, LI Crisis Center, Lutheran Counseling Center, Oceanside Interfaith Council and the Southwest Nassau Conference of the ELCA. For more information please contact olc2007@gmail.com or 516-766-0136.