Across the nation, people from all walks of life are commemorating Mental Health Month, an annual observance that takes place each May. Mental Health Month allows us to raise awareness of mental health issues, encourage those living with mental illness, and advocate for policies that support people impacted by mental health conditions and their families.

There are numerous ways to get involved:

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) You Are Not Alone campaign focuses on the healing value of connecting in safe ways, prioritizing mental health and acknowledging that it’s okay to not be okay through NAMI’s blog, personal stories, videos, digital toolkits, social media engagements and national events.

According to NAMI, “Together, we can realize our shared vision of a nation where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives — a nation where no one feels alone in their struggle.”

The Mental Health America (MHA) Tools 2 Thrive provides practical resources to improve mental health and increase resiliency regardless of a person’s situation. Download the toolkit, which includes sample messages for social media and printable handouts on such topics as adapting after trauma and stress, dealing with anger and frustration, and taking time for yourself.

According to MHA: “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. Now, more than ever, it is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles, because that stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help.”

The Pathways to Promise Mental Health Ministry Toolkit for Faith Communities offers ideas for faith communities that want to make a difference:

Shonie introduced Alyssa to a prayer support line and a virtual resiliency program, sponsored by Advocate Aurora Health, that she facilitates.

“I knew I needed to try the groups,” Alyssa said. “Oftentimes, we are expected to ‘get on with it’ after experiencing trauma. The resiliency class was extremely helpful in helping me get my feelings out and process what happened.”

“I have met some great people,” she added. “Even though I have never met them face to face, I know them. I never would have met them if it hadn’t been for what happened. I have a new support group, in addition to my family and friends.”

As part of her healing process, Alyssa spoke to a group of children in a youth crime deterrence program about the impact the carjacking had on her. “By sharing my story, I hope they can make better choices for themselves and have a positive future,” Alyssa said.

Before participating in the prayer line and resiliency group, Alyssa had a hard time eating and sleeping. “I was not in a good place,” she said. “But now, I realize God gave me something I never knew I needed, and that God is looking out for me.”

Sue wears several different hats to make Member-to-Member reality. She is a “dispatcher” - a liaison who links volunteers with members; a “mentor” who offers advice and guidance, and “trainer” on such issues as confidentiality.

“The program provides love from a distance,” Sue said. “Friendships have happened. The program has brought congregants together in a new way.”

To learn more about Member to Member, contact Sue at sue.quever@aah.org.

by Tega Orhorhoro

Courtesy of NAMI

Growing up, mental health was not something that was talked about in my family. We would say that anxiety was a myth, depression was a myth and praying was the answer to all the problems. I would never bring up depression or my mental health because I felt like all I had to do was go to school and get good grades. So when I couldn’t eat or sleep from anxiety, I didn’t know how to articulate how I felt.

Growing up in my African household, we wouldn't bring up feelings of discomfort or depression because the answer was always the same: pray about it. Pray the depression away. This was the mindset I was conditioned to believe when it came to my mental health issues. I was always told to be strong and to never show weakness even when you are experiencing hardships.

My first panic attack was in college. I was a freshman getting ready for finals week, and I was part of a program that was designed to help students during the transition from high school to college. This program cared more about passing grades and external factors than the pressure and stress that would come with the transition and changing expectations. I tried to talk to my mentor about what I was feeling during this time, but those feelings were brushed over many times, and I again felt the outside pressure to ignore and compartmentalize my feelings while focusing on my academic performance.

Courtesy Khalil Center

The terms mental health, stress, anxiety, depression, self-care and other similar terms are commonly heard these days. They casually come up in our discussions, or are discussed in our classes and social media. There has been a rise in people and organizations promoting “mental health awareness.” What exactly is mental health and mental illness, and how do we understand them within an Islamic context?

From an Islamic theological perspective, psycho-spiritual health is directly related to a human being’s ability to actualize their primordial spiritual purpose. All human beings are created to tread a path that will ultimately ensure their salvation in the afterlife and their ability to acquire God’s pleasure. Health is thus, from an Islamic theological perspective, indicated by an individual’s successful ability to remain on this path of worship. Hence any obstacles that obstruct their ability to tread this path is seen as detrimental to human functioning and worthy of attention. This includes psychological, physical or emotional struggles that get in the way of our ability to worship Allāh freely.

More specifically, a holistic perspective on psychological health must be multidimensional as it encompasses our overall health and well-being. This includes:

When all of these areas are balanced and working in harmony, we can achieve optimal mental health. However, mental health is fluid. We need to regularly and constantly work on finding this balance. Achieving better states in our mental, spiritual, psychological health and maturity is a constant journey that we traverse all our lives.

By: Grace Wong

While prayer is experienced differently among practitioners, studies have shown noted health benefits like a decrease of stress and aggression. It has also been a way for people to cope with their current situation, feel a greater connection with a sense of purpose or meaning, a feeling of peace and even lower blood pressure, Massey said.

By: Ben Hoekstra

A new study published in The Lancet suggests that COVID-19 patients are at greater risk for developing mental health disorders, with 1 in 5 receiving a mental health diagnosis within 90 days of infection. These have included conditions such as anxiety disorders, insomnia and dementia.

“This study is interesting, but we do have to take the results with a grain of salt due to the limitations mentioned,” said Dr. Munther Barakat, Director of Behavioral Therapy at Aurora Psychiatric Hospital.

Look here if you live in Illinois.

During the pandemic, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, a share that has been largely consistent, up from one in ten adults who reported these symptoms from January to June 2019 (Figure 1).

A KFF Health Tracking Poll from July 2020 also found that many adults are reporting specific negative impacts on their mental health and well-being, such as difficulty sleeping (36%) or eating (32%), increases in alcohol consumption or substance use (12%), and worsening chronic conditions (12%), due to worry and stress over the coronavirus. As the pandemic wears on, ongoing and necessary public health measures expose many people to experiencing situations linked to poor mental health outcomes, such as isolation and job loss.

This virtual symposium will focus on trauma, resistance and addictions. Keynote Speakers:

This conference will include, at no cost CEUs for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC and CADC

All are welcome to the Southland Gratitude Room on Zoom. We gather virtually each month to:

Learn about the benefits of gratitude (there are many!)

Support one another and pray together

Share creative and fun ideas on how to live a more grateful life

Enjoy one-on-one conversations and group discussions on a range of topics, such as:

Each Gratitude Room session includes a time of centering/meditation and an opportunity to explore what our sacred texts say about gratitude and living a more grateful life.

Caregiver Laura Townsend will tell her story about how her favorite hobby—scrapbooking—gave her the emotional care she needed while caring for her late husband Brad. This self‐care became Albums of Hope, a local nonprofit that lifts spirits and inspires hope. Laura will share self‐care tips and give you a sneak peek at her Caregiving Planner. A time to engage and share.

Join us and other stakeholders virtually to create a common equitable mental and behavioral health treatment and research agenda.

ChAPTER is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary network of local organizations and other stakeholders devoted to the promotion of health equity across the Chicagoland area.

Panelists of the event:

The Rahab’s Daughters team works to provide education about human trafficking to members of our community. Join us for this upcoming event to learn more about human trafficking and how you can actively take a stand against it.

Rahab's Daughters Executive Director, Sharmila (Sam) Wijeyakumar will be leading the conversation.

The Partners For Faith & Health Network was created by Advocate Trinity Hospital and South Suburban Hospital to bring together leaders of all religions, community members, and people in the health field.

We want to work together to advocate and promote lifestyles and activities that prevent and/or support the management of chronic disease in the Southland community. Together, we learn about health topics and discuss how we can improve the health of the people in our community.

(May 25, June 22, July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 28, Oct. 26)

Let’s face it. It’s been a tough year. You may be questioning what it means to be a religious and spiritual leader during times of stress and crisis. You may feel like you are being asked to walk on water, lead through a wilderness and do the impossible.

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Educators from Advocate Aurora Health invite you to an opportunity to reflect on our times and what it means to be a leader. Sessions will allow you to reflect on your practice as a faith leader, get ideas and input, try something new and continue learning, feeling and moving into these issues thoughtfully and safely.

This program will use the CPE model of action, reflection, and adjustment, but previous CPE experience is not required.

The Archdiocesan Commission on Mental Illness is pleased to offer "Moving Forward in Hope," a monthly series of prayer, connection, and hope. Our goal is to create a safe place for those living with, or those caring for someone with, mental health concerns to come together to pray and share with one another.

We know connection is paramount to mental health and well-being. These virtual meetings will cover relevant topics and be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

For questions, and to register, contact Deacon Tom Lambert at tlambert@ourlmc.org.

“What’s Next?” is a weekly resilience program that combines evidence-based scientific studies with encouragement from faith-based resources. Participants will gain tools to:

Attend any or all sessions. LaShondria Purnell, RN, a faith community nurse with Advocate Aurora Health, facilitates "What's Next?" and looks forward to learning alongside you.

The Prayer Support Line allows us to come together in unity to release our burdens, receive comfort and express our gratitude to God for holding us close during this pandemic.

The Prayer Support Line is a place where we can join with others in prayer for health, healing and spiritual care with the expectation that God will meet us and provide us with encouragement.

Amy McNicholas, LCPC, Faith and Mental Health Specialist and Manager of Faith and Health Partnerships, Illinois, is committed to supporting the emotional well-being of faith communities through a variety of programs and services:

Please email or call if you need support: amy.mcnicholas@aah.org or 630-929-9103.

See information on mental health resources and mental health organizations by clicking here.

May 10-16: National Women's Health Week

Faith and Mental Health Quarterly provides updates on mental health resources, events and news to support the well-being of people in your congregation and community.

Please contact Cindy Novak if you have news to share, topics you'd like addressed or if you have questions or concerns. Thank you!