Comfort My People: Mental Health in Healthy Congregations
Susan Lee, LCSW
Consultant / Coach, Comfort My People program
myCMPcoach@gmail.com
The Presbytery of St. Augustine received a $10,000 grant from the Presbyterian Mental Health Network to fund a 12-month initiative called “Comfort My People: Mental Health in Healthy Congregations.”
Susan Lee, LCSW, a member of Highlands United Presbyterian Church, serves as a consultant/coach with congregations in our presbytery. Susan is available to lead programs and intergenerational activities, provide workshops for congregational leaders, and meet with resource people.
This initiative focuses on three areas:
- To expand mental health awareness, understanding of mental issues and advocacy for mental health services.
- To eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness, and especially serious mental illnesses.
- To become more welcoming, inclusive and supportive faith communities for people living with mental health challenges.
September is Suicide Prevention Month
#BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope. Click on the logo below to learn more about the about the 5 Action Steps YOU can take to promote healing (https://www.bethe1to.com/).
Tools 2 Thrive Fact Sheets (PDF files)
- Owning Your Feelings
- Finding the Positive After Loss
- Connecting with Others
- Eliminate Toxic Influences
- Creating Healthy Routines
- Supporting Others
Mental Health Month Resources from PC(USA) Mental Health Ministry (General and COVID-19 Specific)
- Steps Pastors and Congregations Can Take to Prepare for the Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 – Practical suggestions for pastors and churches with links to several sources of online training in skills of mental health first aid, suicide prevention, and trauma-informed pastoral care.
- Mental Health Well Being During a Pandemic – Produced by Presbyterian Mental Health Network (PMHN). Coping with emotions of stress, fear and panic, and tips for promoting mental and spiritual well-being in the unfolding context.
- Mental Health for Specific Mental Health Concerns and Populations
- Mental Health for Parents, Kids and Families
- 24/7 Crisis Helplines – Curated links to National 24/7 helplines including Disaster Distress Helpline, Suicide Prevention Helpline, Veterans Crisis Line, Domestic Violence Hotline, ChildHelp Child Abuse Hotline, and Trevor Project Lifeline for LGBTQ+ Young People.
While we are familiar with viruses like the common cold and the flu, the coronavirus (COVID-19) is new and presents a situation that none of us could have imagined a few short months ago. It is more important now than ever to pay attention to mental health during this time of isolation and uncertainty. Click on the graphic for great information from Mental Health America!
Mental Health America – b4Stage4 Philosophy
If you’d like to help break down the stigma of mental illness, or for more information about implementing this new ministry in the presbytery, you can contact:
Chris Lieberman
Relationship Coordination Director
chris@staugpres.org
Susan Lee, LCSW
Comfort My People Coach
myCMPcoach@gmail.com