Mental Health and Faith

When people are in crisis, often the first place they go is to their place of worship. Churches and synagogues are a safe haven for families who have suffered a loss or disaster. After fires, earthquakes, loss of housing or death of a loved one, the faith community is the first place families turn. Problems in a marriage or unmanageable children seem like problems to talk over with clergy. All of these instances can be an indication of or trigger for a more serious problem. The role of religious leaders goes far beyond a day of worship. Faith communities are reaching out to those with a variety of needs and looking within for parishioners with a talent and passion for meeting those needs.

Rose Hill recently participated in a conference, "Pathways to Promise: The Power of Faith Communities in Mental Health Recovery." The conference was hosted by The Interfaith Mental Health Coalition, a collection of mental health service providers, public officials, faith leaders and advocates in the Chicago area. The day was full of presentations that described ways that faith communities and people engaged in mental health recovery can work together to educate their communities about mental illness and equip them to develop supportive, caring responses. Speakers from various faith traditions shared their stories and personal experiences with mental illness and recovery.

When someone has a physical illness or is in the hospital they can count on cards, flowers, casseroles, and friendly visitors. When someone experiences a mental health crisis this is seldom the case. While church families would like to help, they often don't know exactly what to do. But there are organizations like The Interfaith Mental Health Coalition, NAMI FaithNet, and K-Love Radio Ministry that are working to help faith communities become better equipped to help.

A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders shows that people who believe in God, regardless of religious affiliation, are more responsive to short term treatment of depression. This study does not show cause and effect but does indicate a clinical implication of a spiritual life. Hope is a hallmark of religious life; hope in a higher power, hope in a larger meaning, hope in a sense of healing and solace. Since hopelessness is often a key symptom in mental illness, incorporating spirituality into treatment could be a step in the right direction. Spiritual support can play a significant role in the recovery process and faith communities are working together to reach out to families with mental health concerns providing a safe spiritually nourishing environment.

For more information:
NAMI FaithNet Brochure
Suicide Prevention and Awareness Resources
Faith-related Mental Health Support Groups
Pathways to Promise
Mental Health Ministries
American Association of Pastoral Counselors

Rose Hill Center is a private, non-profit, psychiatric rehabilitation facility for young adults over 18, who are diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, clinical depression, bi-polar disorder or other major mental illness.

Mental Health And Faith