April 8, 2021 
Fourth article in a series of articles on what the SS. Isidore and Maria Parish Community can do to support those with mental health challenges and their families.
People with mental illness and their families may feel isolated from their faith community and thus isolated from God. If someone feels rejected by church they feel rejected by God. Isolation is often caused by the stigma associated with having a mental illness. The fear of being judged as inadequate or weak willed, or the misperception that God is punishing them because they did something wrong, or the communities misperception of what mental illness is and how it affects the individual and their families are powerful contributors to the isolation and loneliness that people feel. As a healing community we can support people with mental illness and their families with unconditional non-judgmental love in the following ways: increase our awareness of mental illness and where to get help; offer prayers and support for individuals and families who are affected by mental illness; serve on parish committees for outreach to individuals and families, get involved in peer to peer ministry; and work on the justice issues affecting mental health care.
Learn more! Starting Mon., April 12, the SS. Isidore and Maria Parish Mental Health Ministry invites you to attend Mental Health Matters, a free, five-week virtual series about the overall importance of mental health, the impact of mental illness on individuals, families and communities, and the role of this new ministry in our community. Registration is required.
This program does not offer, nor does it constitute, professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice or treatment of a qualified provider with concerns regarding mental health.
