Comfort My People: Mental Health in Healthy Congregations
In October 2019, 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.” While that grant initiative has been completed there are still wonderful resources to use!
Susan Lee, LCSW, a member of Highlands United Presbyterian Church, served as a consultant/coach with congregations in our presbytery. This initiative focused 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.
Tools 2 Thrive Fact Sheets (PDF files)
These Fact Sheets and related worksheets are part of the Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Month educational campaign in 2021. Visit https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month for more information and mental health screening tools.
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.
Mental Health America – b4Stage4 Philosophy