Women In The Know Tackles The Tragic Matter Of Teenage Mental Health And Suicide

LAKE FOREST, IL (SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2014) - Amie Marks, founder of Women in the Know, believes that women can move mountains when working together toward a common goal. Marks launched Women in the Know in May 2013, offering women a platform by way of a series of discussions and complimentary luncheons to speak openly about world issues, current events, and timely topics. The series have ranged from GMO's and organics, the U.S. healthcare system, and women's issues in foreign countries. Beginning in September and continuing throughout October and November for part two and three, Marks will speak on the tough issue of teenage mental health and suicide, which seems to be a hard-hitting topic in the North Shore community.

Throughout this series, Amie will partner with organizations and other professionals to discuss our youth's exposure to drugs, social media and other pressures, and the toll it can take on a student's mental health.

Women In the Know will host guest speakers for series two and three in areas of clinical professional counseling and clinical psychology, including: Gail Cutler, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Founder of Rebecca's Dream; Dr. Michelle Epstein, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Women and Children Mental Health & Wellness; and Debrohanne Reimer, MS, LPC, CADC, from The Child, Adolescent & Family Recovery Center. These speakers will help identify changes and signs in children and other loved ones, including when and how to seek help.

Part one explored statistics on mental health and suicide globally, nationally, and locally in Lake County. Part two of the series will discuss signs and symptoms of mental illness, focusing on mental illness as a disease and recognizing situational depression and triggers. Part two will also explore the differences between teenage angst and mental illness. Part three will begin with a report on student data and hearing the communities' children's opinions on the topic. Amie will touch on differing views on competition and varying outlooks what it means to be successful in today's world. Her hope is for attendees to walk away with some knowledge about how to pass along the right tools to today's youth to help them cope with the many difficulties they will face.

"I have always said Women in the Know will create forums for women to discuss important, timely issues of today," Amie claimed. "This is timely. This is important. A difficult topic? Yes. But how could I not try and cover it? I am already building a network of great possible speakers and 'experts' in this field. My hope is that we all leave these sessions feeling a little empowered to help our youth of today."

Join Women in the Know in this women's movement at the 2014 fall series from September-November:

Caffe DeLuca (7427 Madison St. Forest Park, IL 60130) from 11:30am-1:30pm -

• Wednesday, October 29, 2014 (RSVP by Friday, October 24)

• Wednesday, November 19, 2014 (RSVP by Friday, November 14)

Lake Forest Club (554 N. Westmoreland Rd. Lake Forest, IL 60045) from 11:30am-1:30pm -

• Thursday, October 30, 2014 (RSVP by Monday, October 27)

• Thursday, November 20, 2014 (RSVP by Monday, November 17)

Women in the Know forums are free and open to the public - feel free to bring a friend! To reserve a space or for more information, please call 708.524.9374, e-mail melissa.dennis-araujo@raymondjames.com, or visit the new website at www.WomenInTheKnowForum.com. Topics are subject to change.

ABOUT AMIE MARKS

Amie Marks is a registered principal and financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Her office is located at 1106A Chicago Avenue, Oak Park, IL, phone number 800-452-9519, 708-524-0200. Women in the Know is not affiliated with Raymond James. As featured in Chicago Magazine, Amie was recognized as a 2013 Five-Star Wealth Manager. The Five-Star Award selection for nominated wealth managers are based on satisfying the following criteria: credentialed as an investment advisory representative, a FINRA-registered representative, a CPA or a licensed attorney, actively employed as a credentialed professional in the financial services industry for a minimum of five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfilled their firm review based on internal firm standards, and accepting new clients. Other criteria considered are one and five-year client retention rate, non-Institutional discretionary and/or nondiscretionary client assets administered, number of client households served and education and professional designations. This award is bestowed by an independent third party that is not affiliated with Raymond James.