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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. This letter represents a state
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. -
Mental Health Resources in the West Bay
24-hour emergency numbers
Call 911 for all emergenciesSan Francisco COUNTY
Alcoholics Anonymous 415-674-1821
Psychiatric Emergency Services, S.F. General Hospital 415-206-8125
Suicide Prevention 415-781-0500, 415-227-0245
Veterans Suicide Hotline 800-273-8255San mateo county
Alcoholics Anonymous 650-577-1310
Psychiatric Emergency Services, San Mateo Medical Center 650-573-2662
Suicide Prevention 650-579-0350Marin county
Alcoholics Anonymous 415-499-0400
Marin Narcotics Anonymous Helpline 877-612-7837
Suicide Prevention 415-499-1100
or legal help:
Life Legal Defense Foundation
P.O. Box 2105
Napa, CA 94558
707.224.6675
707.224.6676 (f)
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"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 -
Catholic Resources and Support
General Mental Health / Addiction / Support
St. Mary’s Medical Center
dignityhealth.org/bayarea/locations/
Stanyan St., San Francisco, CA 94117
415-668-1000
Sister Mary Philippa Health Clinic
2235 Hayes St., 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94117
Outpatient services clinic that offers many services, including adult primary care, social services, and HIV care.
McAuley Adolescent Psychiatric Unit (in-patient)
2200 Hayes St., 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94117
415-750-5649
St. Francis Memorial Hospital
dignityhealth.org/SaintFrancis
900 Hyde Street San Francisco, CA 94109
415-800-2623
Inpatient admissions come through hospital emergency rooms or physicians, and are accepted 24 hours a day, every day. Also accept and provide assistance with involuntary admissions. Most private insurance, Medicare and Medi-Cal are accepted. For more information about the Saint Francis inpatient behavioral health services, 415-353-6230 or 888-588-9998.
Archdiocese of San Francisco Catholic Charities
catholiccharitiessf.org
Offers a wide range of social and mental health services. Check website for specific services.
990 Eddy Street San Francisco, CA 94109
415-972-1200
St. Anthony Foundation
Stanthonysf.org
Offers a wide range of social and mental health services. Check website for specific services.
150 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102
415-241-2600Crisis Pregnancy
Gabriel Project 24 hour help line 800-910-2848
sfgabrielproject.wordpress.com
Options United 24 hour help line 877-398-7734
optionsunited.comPost-Abortion Healing
Project Rachel (San Francisco) 415-614-5567
or e-mail projectrachel@sfarch.org
National Toll-free line: 888-456-4673Domestic Violence Services
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco
Riley Center
Kaiser Permanente,
1175 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
24-hour Crisis Support Line: 415-255-0165
For English, please call 415-757-6595
For Spanish, please call 415-757-6490
We may also provide translation for other languages over the phone.
Housing and support for survivors of abuse:
Brennan House: Our 31 bed transitional housing program provides women and their children a secure, positive living environment for up to 15 months. 415-255-2894.
Rosalie House: Our 23 bed emergency shelter offers those fleeing from violence or other forms of domestic abuse a safe, temporary haven for up to 12 weeks. Includes safety planning, counseling, parenting groups, legal assistance, employment and educational referrals, housing search assistance. If you need emergency shelter, call the support line at 415-255-0165.
Children’s Program: Drop-In Hours are Mondays and Thursdays. Call for details 415-552-2943 The effects of domestic violence on children, even if the abuse is directed towards a parent, are profoundly severe. To join a support group or for more information about our Children’s Program, call 415-255-2894.
Drop-in center Community Office 415-552-2943.Restorative Justice / Reconciliation / Prison Ministry
San Francisco and Marin Counties
Archdiocese of San Francisco
Jail ministry, ministry to formerly incarcerated, ministry to homicide victims
Coordinator
Julio Escobar
415-614-5572
San Mateo County
Society of St. Vincent de Paul of San Mateo
Restorative Justice Ministry
Head Jail Chaplain
650-796-0767
Homeless and Housing Services
The Societies of St. Vincent de Paul in San Mateo, San Francisco and Marin Counties
Provide various types of homeless/housing counseling and supportive services. See below for each of the three organizations.
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco
svdp-sf.org
San Francisco’s largest and most extensive homeless shelter.
Mental health services, legal services available on site:
"Multi-Service Center South"
525 - 5th Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
Tel: 415-597-7960
Society of St. Vincent de Paul of San Mateo
svdpsm.org
Help Line: 650-343-4403
SVdP’s Homeless Help Centers offer basic survival necessities, such as a hot meal, clothing, sleeping bags, bus tokens, ID cards, laundry and mail service.
South San Francisco
421 4th Lane
650-589-9039
Drop-in assistance:
Monday – Friday 10am to noon
Saturday 11 a.m. – noon
San Mateo
50 North B Street
650-343-9251
Drop-in assistance: Monday – Friday 9:45 a.m. -- 11:45 a.m.
Redwood City /Fair Oaks Community Center
St. Anthony of Padua Dining Room
2600 Middlefield Road
Drop-in assistance: Monday – Friday 1:15 p.m.--2:15 p.m.
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County
www.vinnies.org
Housing Help Desk Monday – Friday, located above Vinnies Free Dining Room, 822 B Street in San Rafael. Sign-ups begin at 10:45 am each day -