One in four people will be affected by a mental health problem at some point in their lives, yet the stigma surrounding mental health silences many and prevents faith communities from responding compassionately and effectively (The Sanctuary Course for Catholics).
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and May 15 is the Feast Day of St. Dymphna, patron saint of nervous and mental disorders.
• Pray with Pope Francis on May 8 The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (CMHM) partners with the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network and Click to Pray to offer a Monthly Day of Prayer for Mental Health. Each 2nd Monday of the month, CMHM will offer prayers and a blog post, connected to the Pope's monthly prayer intention. You may pray with us via the Click to Pray app or the Click to Pray website.
• On the feast day of St. Dymphna, May 15, join the Catholic Psychotherapy Association and parishes across the country in offering a Mass intention for those afflicted with mental health issues and for the mental health practitioners who support them.
Other helpful resources:
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and May 15 is the Feast Day of St. Dymphna, patron saint of nervous and mental disorders.
• Pray with Pope Francis on May 8 The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (CMHM) partners with the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network and Click to Pray to offer a Monthly Day of Prayer for Mental Health. Each 2nd Monday of the month, CMHM will offer prayers and a blog post, connected to the Pope's monthly prayer intention. You may pray with us via the Click to Pray app or the Click to Pray website.
• On the feast day of St. Dymphna, May 15, join the Catholic Psychotherapy Association and parishes across the country in offering a Mass intention for those afflicted with mental health issues and for the mental health practitioners who support them.
- Wear Green Ribbons to promote Mental Health Awareness
- Share the book When a Loved one Dies by Suicide by Bishop John Dolan and Deacon Ed Shoener.
Other helpful resources:
- Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers
- Saint Dymphna and Saint John of God Prayer Cards | NCPD - National Catholic Partnership on Disability
- Offer Welcome and Hospitality. Find guidance here:
o compassion-in-action.pdf (hhs.gov)
o reachongoutwithhospitality.pdf (ecatholic.com)
o How to Be Inclusive and Welcoming | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
o Supporting People with Mental Illness in your Parish | NCPD - National Catholic Partnership on Disability - Nebraska Family Helpline - The Nebraska Family Helpline at (888) 866-8660 makes it easier for families to obtain assistance by providing a single contact point 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained Helpline operators screen calls to assess immediate safety needs, identify the potential level of a behavioral health crisis, make recommendations or referrals to appropriate resources, and help callers connect to emergency resources or providers. The Helpline is supervised by licensed mental health professionals.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
