Mental Health Event and Resources

Recently, CCSB parishioner Colleen Gaume facilitated a panel discussion on mental health with three professionals in the mental healthcare field. The panel was a great opportunity to discuss what we can do as people of faith to foster a community where mental health is normalized and accepted as a part of everyday life. We also discussed steps we can take to eradicate mental health stigmas and support friends and loved ones who suffer from a mental illness. Here are a few useful takeaways and resources discussed during the event:

  1. Resources:

    1. Pro Bono Counseling Project (for those who struggle to find resources or financially afford therapy/counseling)

    2. Can ask family/friends for referrals if you are seeking mental health care for the first time

    3. "Atlas of the Heart"-great book on humanity/beauty of the human spirit

    4. Various meditation/mindfulness apps-help with grounding and being present to help reduce stress and anxiety (Headspace, Calm, Happify, etc.)

    5. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-www.nami.org)

    6. A parishioner put in a personal plug for Therapy Notebooks-they have guided journaling that is developed with mental health professionals to help with anxiety and depression

  2. Tips on how to help yourself or others

    1. Get outside (even when it's cold!)-being in nature helps ground you and learn how to be present and practice mindfulness

    2. Practice prayers/novinas, and focus on the healing of the various sacraments

    3. If a friend is struggling, educate yourself about what they struggle with (ex. panic attacks, depression), and take a non-judgemental listening approach.

    4. It's harmful to label someone based on their illness-instead of describing someone as "schizophrenic" or "bipolar", choose words like "the friend who has bipolar disorder", etc.

    5. We are people of hope-suffering is part of the human condition. We all suffer at some point, so normalize it

Our church community recognizes that mental health is equally as important as physical health and strongly encourages anyone who is suffering to seek treatment from a professional healthcare provider. When we are in an optimal state of mental health and spiritual well-being, we can best share the humanity of Jesus in our community and beyond.

If you or a loved one are experiencing a life-threatening condition, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can also be reached 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.