The Mental Health Ministry provides education and awareness to the parish community on issues related to mental health to breakdown the social stigma of having a mental illness, to provide information and local resources where help can be obtained, and to provide emotional and spiritual support.

Scroll below for mental health resources and suicide prevention.

Mental Health Resources

Mental illness affects one in 5 individuals. Each individual has a family so the need is great for our faith communities.
September is Suicide Prevention awareness month

Suicide Prevention Awarement Month

We Can All Prevent Suicide. Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide. Click the button to visit Suicide Prevention Lifeline to learn more.
suicide prevention lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. Call 1-800-273-TALK(8255) any time of day for help anywhere in the United States.
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NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness

The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI works to educate, advocate, listen and lead to improve the lives of people with mental illness and their loved ones.
Know the warning signs (1)

Know the Warning Signs

It can be frightening if someone you love talks about suicidal thoughts. It can be even more frightening if you find yourself thinking about dying or giving up on life. Not taking these kinds of thoughts seriously can have devastating outcomes, as suicide is a permanent solution to (often) temporary problems.
Mental Health Ministry Box

Archdiocesan Commission on Mental Illness

The Commission offers resources to parishes on the spiritual and supportive needs of people with mental illnesses and their families. We offer workshops and presentations on the pastoral needs of people with mental illness and their families. Click below to visit the Commission on Mental Illness page for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

10 Common Warning Signs in Teens and Young Adults

Telling the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental illness isn’t always easy. There’s no easy test that can let someone know if there is mental illness. Watch this short video using the video link above for common warning signs.

What our Faith Community can do to support those with Mental Illness

Pastoral Respoonse