U.S. bishops claim the 'Healing and Hope' initiative offers solutions for the mental illness predicament at a grassroots level.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has announced a new initiative called "Healing and Hope" as part of the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign. This initiative, spearheaded by Metropolitan Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak and Bishop Robert E. Barron, aims to raise awareness of mental health issues, remove the stigma associated with mental illness, and advocate for mental health support.
The "Healing and Hope" initiative is aimed at both those who suffer from mental illness and those who support them. Several organizations, including Catholic Charities USA, the Catholic Health Association, and the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, have partnered with Archbishop Gudziak and Bishop Barron in developing the campaign.
Bishops, clergy, religious, and lay people will gather for state-level conferences on local mental health realities. The first such event is scheduled to take place early next year in New Jersey. These conferences will provide a platform for discussion and action on mental health issues, with a focus on understanding, empathy, and support.
Close to 60 million U.S. adults, or one in five, experienced mental health issues in 2021, with more than 14 million reporting a serious condition and well over 19 million battling both substance abuse and mental health issues concurrently. Among U.S. adults, anxiety disorders are the most reported mental health condition, followed by major depressive episodes and post-traumatic stress disorder.
To raise awareness of mental health, parishes are being encouraged to observe "Mental Health Sunday" and pray at Masses during the Oct. 11-12 weekend. The USCCB website provides resources for Mental Health Sunday, including prayer materials and educational resources.
The initiative will also feature a revived digital campaign with bishops' reflections posted on the USCCB's social media platforms. Furthermore, the USCCB encourages faithful to pray the conference's Novena for Mental Health, which commences on World Mental Health Day and concludes on Oct. 18.
The Novena for Mental Health focuses on various aspects of mental health, including stigma, social relationships, and the impact of factors such as racism and poverty. The Novena was opened by the USCCB campaign in October 2023. Saints and others invoked during the novena include St. Dymphna, patron of those with mental health issues, St. Martin de Porres, who experienced racial discrimination, and Dorothy Day, who attempted suicide as a young woman.
It's important to note that while Bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia each represent less than 3% of reported conditions, they are still significant and require attention and support.
The USCCB acknowledges the importance of providing resources and support for those experiencing a mental health crisis. Those in need can call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which also offers support in Spanish.
The "Healing and Hope" initiative is a significant step forward in addressing mental health issues within the Catholic community and beyond. By raising awareness, removing stigma, and advocating for support, the USCCB hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by mental health issues.
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