May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Faith and spirituality can be a very helpful component of someone’s recovery from mental illness. A place of worship is a safe space where people can feel welcomed and have an instant sense of support and community, but how they are treated within this environment is crucial to that feeling of security.
*Be a Friend ~Provide companionship and compassion on the road toward recovery. Offer a ride to your house of worship or to a local support group.
*Listen without judgement~ Pray for those you know with mental illnesses and for their family members. Be an inspiration ~ Share your story. Has mental illness impacted you or your family in some way? Your story may empower others to seek treatment or have hope.
*Watch your language ~Pay attention to the words you use and avoid stigmatizing labels. Do not refer to people as "crazy," or "mental." Use Person First language. For example, say “She is a person with bipolar disorder” instead of “She is a bipolar.”
*Be a "StigmaBuster" ~Challenge negative attitudes toward mental illness among your friends and acquaintances and in the media.
Prayer: God who has created us all. May we be good companions to each other in life’s journey and have the courage to reach out to those who need our love and care. Amen