“Whoever suffers from mental illness ‘always’ bears God’s image and likeness in themselves, as does every human being. In addition, they ‘always’ have the inalienable right not only to be considered as an image of God and therefore as a person, but also to be treated as such.”
Pope John Paul II, International Conference for Health Care Workers, on Illnesses of the Human Mind, November 30, 1996
Mental Health Ministry is a growing field within the Catholic Church. It’s designed to provide vital spiritual accompaniment by offering a ministry of presence in the lives of people with mental illness. To help overcome the stigma and discrimination that people living with a mental illness encounter in the Church and in human society.
Mental Health Ministry is not a clinical resource and is not intended to serve as a substitute for treatment or counseling with a qualified professional. But it does have a place in a person’s recovery. It recognizes the value of professional mental health care and the importance of collaboration with healthcare organizations and professionals, religious and clergy, educational institutes, counseling centers, teachers, nurses, and other community organizations. The path to mental wellness requires three things:
1. People who care.
2. Places that are safe.
3. Purpose and mission.
The Church can provide all of these things and help those who struggle with mental health challenges to carry their crosses. Mental Health Ministry provides spiritual accompaniment on the journey with others as they experience God’s presence, love, and healing.
The Church can provide all of these things and help those who struggle with mental health challenges to carry their crosses. Mental Health Ministry provides spiritual accompaniment on the journey with others as they experience God’s presence, love, and healing.
You can read more about it at one of these resources:
• Vicariate of Catholic Social Doctrine animates mental health ministry – The Catholic Times
• Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers
• Mental Health | United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Interested in bringing Mental Health Ministry to your parish or Diocese?
Anyone experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, and their family members, can call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to reach a trained specialist who can offer help and support. 988 provides 24/7, free, and confidential support to Ohioans in a behavioral health crisis. 988 is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be: thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
Numerous studies have shown that most 988 callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to a 988 Lifeline trained crisis specialist. Almost 98% of people who call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline get the crisis support they need and do not require additional services in that moment. The 988 Lifeline crisis specialists are trained to help reduce the intensity of a situation for the person seeking help, and connect them to additional local resources, as needed, to support their wellbeing.
