Catholic Campaign Brings Awareness to Mental Illness
The U.S. bishops are promoting the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign with three specific goals: to raise awareness of the mental health crisis, to combat the stigma surrounding the topic of mental health, and to advocate for all those impacted by the crisis.
The U.S. bishops are promoting the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign with three specific goals: to raise awareness of the mental health crisis, to combat the stigma surrounding the topic of mental health, and to advocate for all those impacted by the crisis.
“Mental health is an issue that the Church is deeply concerned about, and we do consider this to be part of our ministry as a Church. We believe that any person who is suffering with mental illness should be able to get the help that they need. That's the charitable and loving thing to do,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes about this effort.
This educational and awareness campaign is conducted year-round, but the Church puts a greater focus on this issue between Oct. 10th, World Mental Health Day and Oct. 18th, the Feast of St. Luke, patron of healthcare.
Catholics are encouraged to pray the Novena for Mental Health. This is an opportunity for all the People of God to join together in prayer for women and men experiencing or impacted by mental health issues and for all those who accompany them. The Novena can be prayed any time of year. This Novena is offered in solidarity with those suffering from mental health challenges as well as health care professionals, family, and friends who are caring for people in need. The hopeis that the Novena will move all people to discern how God is calling them to offer greater assistance to those with mental health needs, especially within families.
“Within the family unit, if somebody is suffering with mental health issues, very often that person doesn't recognize it, but those around him or her do recognize it and want to get them help. The challenge is trying to convince that person to get the help that they desperately need. I think the main thing would be to try to provide them with resources, and we have some as a Church,” said Bishop Parkes.
How to find help around the Diocese of St. Petersburg:
- Check with your parish to see if they have a “Parish Assistance Program,” a partnership with BayCare that provide a 24-hour confidential helpline, free counseling and referrals.
- Check with your employer to see if they have an Employee Assistance Program.
- Check with Catholic Charities Mental Health Services 813-631-4370 | mhservices@ccdosp.org. Counselors are available who speak Spanish.
- Check My Catholic Doctor. They provide mental health care that incorporates spiritual care and treatment for depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, addiction, attention deficit, and much more. Visit mycatholicdoctor.com/catholic-mental-health.
A Prayer for Those Suffering with Mental Illness by Bishop Parkes
God our Father,
we pray for all individuals who are impacted by issues of mental health,
especially within our local community here,
that you may bless them with your grace and consolation;
and that Catholics everywhere may accompany and support them
as they experience mental health challenges.
May we do our part to promote mental and spiritual wellness,
and we ask all these things through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
