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A Pastor's Experience with Mental Health Ministry
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What can parishioners do? And how to do it?
"Catholics Must Do More to Accompany People with Mental Illness"
A U.S. Catholic magazine interview (March 2019)
"12 Ways Parishes Can Support People with Mental Illness"
A U.S. Catholic magazine editorial (March 2019)
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"Hope and Healing": California Bishops' Pastoral Letter
A PASTORAL LETTER FROM THE BISHOPS
OF CALIFORNIA ON CARING FOR THOSE
WHO SUFFER FROM MENTAL ILLNESS
ADDRESSED TO ALL CATHOLICS AND
PEOPLE OF GOODWILL
"As pastors and bishops, we understand that mental health is a critical component of wellbeing.
Therefore, ministering to those who suffer from mental illness is an essential part of the pastoral
care of the Church...."
Read here the California Catholic Bishops' groundbreaking pastoral letter, released on May 2, 2018:
Hope and Healing (English PDF)
Hope and Healing (Spanish PDF)
Hope and Healing (Vietnamese PDF)
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An Interview with Aaron Kheriaty, M.D.
"I believe this document is a unique contribution toward overcoming unjust stigma around mental health. It's the first document from American bishops, that I am aware of, that addresses this issue directly." Dr. Aaron Kheriarty, associate professor of Psychiatry at UC Irvine School of Medicine, is director of the Medical Ethics Program at UC Irvine Health, and author of The Catholic Guide to Depression: How the Saints, Sacraments, and Psychiatry Can Help You Break Its Grip and Find Happiness Again. Read his response to the California Catholic bishops' pastoral letter in this exclusive interview with Valerie Schmalz, director of the Archdiocesan Office of Human Life and Dignity.
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Suicide Prevention
Are you in crisis?
Do you know someone who is ?
Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to everyone. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the NSPL’s website.
SUICIDE: What are the Signs and Symptoms?
[from the National Institute for Mental Health]
The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide:
• Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
• Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live
• Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
• Talking about great guilt or shame
• Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
• Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Using alcohol or drugs more often
• Acting anxious or agitated
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Changing eating and/or sleeping habits
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
• Talking or thinking about death often
• Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
• Giving away important possessions
• Saying goodbye to friends and family
• Putting affairs in order, making a will.
If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently. One resource is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889.SUICIDE: What are the Risk Factors?
[from the National Institute for Mental Health]
Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk. Suicidal behavior is complex and there is no single cause. In fact, many different factors contribute to someone making a suicide attempt. But people most at risk tend to share certain characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:
• Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder
• Certain medical conditions
• Chronic pain
• A prior suicide attempt
• Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse
• Family history of suicide
• Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
• Having guns or other firearms in the home
• Having recently been released from prison or jail
• Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities.
Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. It is important to note that suicide is not a normal response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention, and should not be ignored. -
"Christ calls us to attend to those who suffer from mental illness and provide hope and healing. Therefore, ministering to those who suffer from mental illness is an essential part of the pastoral care of the Church."
- The California Catholic Conference: Bishops' Pastoral Letter Hope and Healing -