Mental Health Awareness Committee
Suicide Prevention
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the U.S.
Talking about your thoughts or feelings could save your life. Call or text 988 anytime, day or night.
Learn how and why the five “Be The One To” action steps (Ask, Be There, Keep Them Safe, Help Them Stay Connected, and Follow Up) can help. These steps for communicating with someone who may be suicidal are supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention.
Learn how to talk to teens about suicide here.
Learn how to talk to someone who may be struggling with their mental health and at risk for suicide here.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has some conversation starters and resources.
What leads to suicide? Learn more about risk factors and warning signs here.
What are the warning signs that someone is suicidal? These signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Learn more here.
There are risk factors, or characteristics which make it more likely someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they’re important to be aware of. What are they? Learn more here.
Having a safety plan to help guide someone who has suicidal thoughts through difficult moments can make a difference and help keep them safe. Learn more about creating a safety plan here.
Stress & Anxiety
The Ave Maria Press video, “Helping Teens Lean Into Stress by: Roy Petitfils” discusses how to help teens not just cope with stress, but utilize it to grow. Please note, this video was intended for ministry professionals, but will be helpful to parents as well.
Coping Skills:
Breathing techniques to reduce stress and anxiety
Mayo Clinic - Depression and Anxiety; Exercise Eases Symptoms
Video - Introduction to Tools for Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in Children and Youth
Tools for younger children and their parents
The below was taken from an article, Coping Skills for Good Mental Health by Barb Arland-Frye in “The Catholic Messenger: The Catholic Newspaper for the Dioceses of Davenport,” regarding a presentation by psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emerle.
Anxiety involves physical and mental components that become evident in unhelpful thinking patterns; the mind fixates on stress. “We have the power in our mind to change those threats,” Emerle said.
Effective coping skills include breathing exercises, mindfulness, relaxation, meditation, an “unplugging” vacation (from social media) and good sleep hygiene. “Everything takes work,” he said. “The desire to work has to be there.”
Breathing from the belly, for example, helps alleviate anxiety; breathing from the chest does the opposite. He invited participants to breathe in from the nose for four counts, hold for two counts and exhale from the mouth for six counts to experience the calming effect.
Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and being fully aware of where you are and what you are doing. Practice loving kindness on yourself. Praying the rosary or another favorite form of prayer is also a way to practice mindfulness.
He encouraged participants to challenge “catastrophic” thinking. When you jump to the worst-case scenario, challenge it with facts from reliable news sources. Read, listen to or watch uplifting news, or take a news fast. Hypothetical worry is another stressor to challenge with reliable information and advice. Focus instead on what is important to you, your routine and the things you do to relax. Cultivate connections with others, eat well, exercise, seek and offer support to others. Focus on what you can control.
Emerle introduced the THINK method to control anxious thoughts: “T” for “Is it true?” “H” for “Is it helpful?” “I” for “Is it inspiring?” “N” for “Is it necessary?” “K” for “Is it kind?” He offered a suggestion about worrying that prompted some chuckles: “Delay worrying, set aside a time to worry.” Distract yourself.
“Scripture Can Guide Through Change” is a Catholic St. Louis article by Fr. Christopher Martin.
Maternal Mental Health
Expecting and new parents who feel overwhelmed or are experiencing depression and anxiety, as well as their loved ones, should reach out to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for support and resources. Free and confidential help is available 24/7 and just a phone call or text away.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is not intended as an emergency response line. Individuals in mental health crisis should continue to contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Individuals in imminent danger of harm to self or others should call 911.
Why should you prioritize your own health when there are so many other things to worry about? Because your health is absolutely essential to your baby’s health, growth and development as well as your family’s well-being. And you deserve to be healthy and happy – especially right now!
Your body and mind go through many changes during and after pregnancy. If you feel empty, emotionless, or sad all or most of the time for longer than 2 weeks during or after pregnancy, reach out for help. If you feel like you don't love or care for your baby, you might have postpartum depression. Treatment for depression, such as therapy, counseling, or medicine, works and will help you and your baby be as healthy as possible in the future.
To learn more about the signs of depression and anxiety around pregnancy, how postpartum depression differs from the ‘baby blues,’ risk factors, information on treatment options, things you can do in addition to treatment, and more visit these sites:
Catholic Health – “Why do I Feel Sad After Giving Birth?”
National Institute of Child Health and Development - Mom’s Mental Health Matters
Healthychildren.org – Depression During & After Pregnancy: You Are Not Alone
U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services – Postpartum Depression
More information on the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline may be found here.
Statistics on Maternal Mental Health.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is not intended as an emergency response line. Individuals in mental health crisis should continue to contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Individuals in imminent danger of harm to self or others should call 911.
Why should you prioritize your own health when there are so many other things to worry about? Because your health is absolutely essential to your baby’s health, growth and development as well as your family’s well-being. And you deserve to be healthy and happy – especially right now!
Your body and mind go through many changes during and after pregnancy. If you feel empty, emotionless, or sad all or most of the time for longer than 2 weeks during or after pregnancy, reach out for help. If you feel like you don't love or care for your baby, you might have postpartum depression. Treatment for depression, such as therapy, counseling, or medicine, works and will help you and your baby be as healthy as possible in the future.
To learn more about the signs of depression and anxiety around pregnancy, how postpartum depression differs from the ‘baby blues,’ risk factors, information on treatment options, things you can do in addition to treatment, and more visit these sites:
https://www.chsli.org/blog/why-do-i-feel-sad-after-giving-birth
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/ncmhep/initiatives/moms-mental-health-matters/moms
https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression
For more information on the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, visit:
https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
For statistics on Maternal Mental Health visit:
Suicide Survivors
A Survivor’s Prayer
Dear Lord, please help me in this time of loss and overwhelming grief. I don’t understand why my life is filled with this pain and heartache. But I turn my eyes to you as I seek to find the strength to trust in your faithfulness. I will wait on you and not despair; I will quietly wait for your salvation.
My heart is crushed, but I know that you will not abandon me forever. Please show me your compassion, Lord. Help me through the pain so that I will hope in you again. I believe this promise in your Word to send me fresh mercy each day. Though I can’t see past today, I trust your great love will never fail me. Amen.
By Mary Fairchild
What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church state about suicide?
“We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives” (#2283).
Prayer for a Person Who Died By Suicide
Dearest Lord, I entrust (name) to your undying mercy and love.
While in this life, they felt much pain and found life difficult.
May you enfold them now with your love where no pain can find them, but rather your love can heal them.
Make them Guardian Angels for those who struggle with life, for those who struggle to see you and the love that is around them.
I ask this, as I ask all things, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Courtesy of BustedHalo
“Information for Persons Who Have Experienced a Loved One’s Suicide” discusses why suicide is so painful and the emotions that go with it that aren’t always present in a natural death, suggested methods of coping, and what the church teaches about suicide. At the bottom of the article are links to read more about the spiritual challenges facing suicide survivors and a list of online and published resources for suicide survivors. It may be found here.
When a Loved One Dies By Suicide
This 8-part film series, based on the award-winning book When a Loved One Dies By Suicide: Comfort, Hope, and Healing for Grieving Catholics, features stories of Catholics whose loved ones have died by suicide and is designed to help individuals who are grieving the suicide of a loved one. If you have experienced suicide loss, this resource will encourage you to reflect on how the Catholic faith can facilitate spiritual healing, provide comfort in the midst of ongoing grief, and inspire both hope and service. When a Loved One Dies By Suicide explains Church teaching on suicide and offers prayers of comfort and support.
View the film series here.
You may purchase the book, which was compiled and edited by Deacon Ed Shoener and Bishop John P. Dolan here. (Use the code WELLBEING to get 25% off!)
An excerpt of the book may be found here.
Additional resources to support those grieving a suicide may be found by clicking on “suicide” on the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers website.
Busted Halo’s “Keeping the Faith After Loss: Catholic Resources for Those Affected by Suicide” discusses the following topics and more; what happens to the soul of someone who commits suicide, grieving a loved one’s loss to suicide, experiencing suicide bereavement with the help of the sacraments, and finding hope after a loved one’s suicide.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
For more information on what Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is, its symptoms, how it is treated, and more, please visit:
National Institute of Mental Health – Seasonal Affective Disorder
For tips on beating the “winter blues,” please visit:
Catholic Counselors – Weather proof your brain: 6 tips for beating winter blues
Church News – What we did: Seasonal Affective Disorder
To learn how meditating on scripture can help you cope with seasonal affective disorder here.
You Are Loved
Please use a green heart located at the back of church to write a message of love and support. #YOUARELOVED
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness often diagnosed during late adolescence or early adulthood. This disorder causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, making it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks. These shifts range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes).
Having bipolar disorder doesn’t mean you can’t live a fulfilling life; it just means you have a metabolic based illness, like diabetes, that needs to be treated. Following a prescribed treatment plan can help people manage the symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Signs & Symptoms:
Someone living with bipolar disorder experiences periods of unusually intense emotion, changes in sleep patterns, changes in activity levels, and may engage in behaviors out of character. These mood episodes are very different from the person’s usual moods and behaviors. During an episode, the symptoms may last for a day. However, episodes may also last for much longer periods, such as several days, even weeks or months.
|
Symptoms of a Manic Episode |
Symptoms of a Depressive Episode |
|
Feeling very up, high, elated, or extremely irritable or touchy |
Feeling very down or sad, or anxious |
|
Feeling jumpy or wired, more active than usual |
Feeling slowed down or restless |
|
Having a decreased need for sleep |
Having trouble falling asleep, waking up too early, or sleeping too much |
|
Talking fast about a lot of different things (“flight of ideas”) |
Talking very slowly, feeling unable to find anything to say, or forgetting a lot |
|
Racing thoughts |
Having trouble concentrating or making decisions |
|
Feeling able to do many things at once without getting tired |
Feeling unable to do even simple things |
|
Having excessive appetite for food, drinking, sex, or other pleasurable activities |
Having a lack of interest in almost all activities |
|
Feeling unusually important, talented, or powerful |
Feeling hopeless or worthless, or thinking about death or suicide |
How does it feel?
These sculptures were created by someone living with bipolar disorder to communicate how it feels. A picture is worth a thousand words!
Connection with Anxiety:
Anxiety disorders are particularly common for persons living with bipolar disorder. They are three to seven times more likely to receive an anxiety disorder diagnosis than the rest of the population. For more information see:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bipolar-vs-anxiety#connection
More information:
For more on the types of bipolar disorder, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatments, coping tips, and more visit:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Bipolar-Disorder
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/bipolar-disorder
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/bipolar/having-bipolar-disorder-does-not-make-you-crazy/
https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-warning-signs
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
The Mental Health Awareness Committee wants to remind our fellow parishioners that You Are Loved and You Matter! We have identified the following resources at both the local and national level.
At the local, archdiocesan level:
Catholic Charities St. Louis-Mental Health & Wellness; Navigating Life’s Challenges with Faith and Care
St Louis Counseling – Counseling services, college coaching and more
At the national level:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
If you want to get more involved, check out this opportunity to walk for supporting awareness!
Alcohol Awareness Month
Each April since 1987, the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) has sponsored Alcohol Awareness Month to increase public awareness and understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues. Alcohol Awareness Month is a time to help people understand the health effects of alcohol use and misuse — and encourage them to make healthy choices.
General Information:
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse Mental Health and Services Administration)
NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Tips:
Alcohol screening quiz.
The Rethinking Drinking website features interactive calculators as well as tips and strategies to cut down or quit drinking.
Facts and Statistics:
Underage Drinking:
The NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) offers a wealth of research-based resources related to alcohol misuse. These resources are free, cover many topics, and are available in multiple languages. Examples include the following:
- Facts About Teen Drinking: Designed for teens, this website contains in-depth information about how alcohol affects health, how to identify signs of an alcohol problem, and how to get help.
- NIAAA for Middle School: This web resource contains interactive activities to help parents, caregivers, and teachers introduce and reinforce key messages about peer pressure, resistance skills, and other important topics related to underage drinking.
- Alcohol and Your Brain: A Virtual Reality Experience: This educational experience shares age-appropriate messages through engaging visuals, informative billboards, and narration.
- Kahoot! quiz about underage drinking: This quiz can be taken at home or in the classroom to help teens gain a better understanding of underage drinking. Topics covered in the quiz are negative health consequences associated with drinking, signs of an alcohol problem, and how to find support.
The Real Catholic Teaching on Underage Drinking by Dr. Andrew Swafford.
Treatment:
Finding and getting help; NIAAA
PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. Traumatic events, such as an accident, assault, military combat or natural disaster, can have lasting effects on a person’s mental health. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear is a part of the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which helps us avoid or respond to potential danger. While many people will have short term responses to life-threatening events, some will develop longer term symptoms that can lead to a diagnosis of PTSD.
For more information on PTSD, treatment options, and support for loved ones of those living with PTSD, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) websites.
June 27 is PTSD screening day. Take the 5 question PTSD self-screen on the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website (above).
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) offers free programs, virtual support groups, and educational resources for individuals and families of people living with PTSD. See their website above.
For more information on PTSD, including signs and symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and how to get help, visit the National Institute of Mental Health.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website focuses on PTSD in veterans. It has an overview, which includes a screening, as well as information on treatment options and how to take the next step.
ADAA (Anxiety & Depression Assoc of America) is an international, nonprofit, membership organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research. ADAA helps people find treatment, resources, and support. More PTSD facts and statistics may be found here.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
“Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. People with SUD have an intense focus--sometimes called an addiction--on using a certain substance(s) such as alcohol, tobacco, or other psychoactive substances, to the point where their ability to function in day-to-day life becomes impaired. People keep using the substance even when they know it is causing or will cause problems.
Repeated substance use can cause changes in how the brain functions. These changes can last long after the immediate intoxication wears off. Intoxication is the intense pleasure, euphoria, and calm that is caused by the substance; these symptoms are different for each substance. With continued use of a substance, tolerance can develop, where someone may require larger amounts in order to feel these effects. Additionally, discontinuing use can lead to symptoms of withdrawal and intense cravings to return to use, often experienced as anxiety.
People with a substance use disorder may have distorted thinking and behaviors. Changes in the brain's structure and function are what cause people to have intense cravings, changes in personality, abnormal movements, and other behaviors. Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behavioral control.” (Source: American Psychiatric Association)
For more information, including treatment options, how to help a loved one, co-occurring mental disorders, and related conditions, visit:
American Psychiatric Association or
National Institute of Mental Health
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website has a wealth of information; everything from data to finding help.
The SAMHSA National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
1-800-662-HELP(4357)
FindTreatment.gov is the confidential and anonymous resource for persons seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States.
Eating Disorders
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website has a wealth of resources including a Screening Tool, information on their Grace Holland Cozine Resource Center (the nation’s leading resource hub for eating disorders which provides critical knowledge to help support loved ones), and information on their NEDA walks.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has information on eating disorders, including signs & symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options as well as a “Mental Health Minute” video on the topic of eating disorders.
ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders) is the leading nonprofit in the U.S. that provides free, peer support services to anyone struggling with an eating disorder.
Addiction Help has information on the different types of eating disorders, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Books:
Life Without Ed by Jenni Schaefer
Brave Girl Eating by Harriet Brown
8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder by Carolyn Costin and Gwen Schubert Grabb
Surviving an Eating Disorder by Michele Siegel, Ph.D., Judith Brisman,Ph.D., and Margot Weinshel, M.S.W.
F.E.A.S.T. (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment for Eating Disorders) is a global community offering support, education, and empowerment to families of those affected by eating disorders.
Eating Disorder Therapists in the St. Louis area.
Eating Disorder Psychiatrists in the St. Louis area.
Eating Disorder Support Groups in the St. Louis area.
Eating Disorder Hope has a variety of information, including lists of therapists and counselors.
Treatment Centers in St. Louis:
St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute (SLBMI)
Other Resources:
- Missouri Eating Disorders Association
- Academy for Eating Disorders
- American Psychological Association (APA)
Depression
The following information is from a variety of websites, including The National Institute of Mental
Health (NIMH), The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The World Heath Organization (WHO), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA). Pease visit any of these websites for more detailed information.
Depression awareness education is essential, as it helps people understand what depression is, recognize its signs, and know how to respond supportively. Here’s a basic guide to understanding depression:
1. What is Depression?
-Depression is a mental health condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and
handles daily activities. It’s more than just feeling sad or having a rough day; it’s a
prolonged state of sadness or lack of interest in things that were once enjoyable.
-Depression can affect anyone regardless of age, background, or beliefs, and it’s often
caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological
factors.
2. Signs and Symptoms of Depression
-Emotional Symptoms: Persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness or guilt, irritability,
or anger.
-Cognitive Symptoms: Trouble concentrating, making decisions, or remembering
details.
-Physical Symptoms: Changes in sleep patterns (either insomnia or excessive
sleeping), changes in appetite or weight, fatigue, and a general lack of energy.
- Behavioral Symptoms: Withdrawing from friends and family, losing interest in hobbies,
or not performing well at work or school.
- Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts: In severe cases, depression can lead to self-harming
behaviors or thoughts of suicide.
3. Myths and Misconceptions
- “It’s just sadness”: Depression is not just sadness; it’s a complex mental health
condition that may require treatment.
- “People with depression are weak”: Mental health issues like depression are not a
reflection of character; they’re health conditions like any other.
- “You can just ‘snap out of it’”: Recovering from depression is not about willpower. It
may require therapy, medication, and support.
4. How Depression Affects Different Age Groups
- Children: Depression in children might show up as irritability, clinginess, or unexplained
aches and pains.
- Teens: Adolescents may exhibit anger, risky behavior, or feel misunderstood, along with
more typical symptoms.
- Adults and Older Adults: In addition to emotional symptoms, older adults might
experience memory issues or physical pain that doesn’t respond to treatment.
5. Treatment and Support
- Professional Help: Psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, or a combination of both
are common treatments.
- Support Systems: Friends, family, and community groups can play a supportive role by
being understanding, patient, and non-judgmental.
- Self-Care: Physical exercise, proper sleep, and engaging in enjoyable activities can aid
recovery.
6. How to Support Someone with Depression
- Listen without Judgement: Sometimes, just listening can provide immense relief to
someone struggling.
- Encourage Professional Help: Gently encourage them to seek support from a
counselor or therapist.
- Be Patient: Recovery from depression is a process that takes time.
- Educate Yourself: The more you understand, the better you can support.
7. Emergency Help
- If someone expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide, take it seriously. Encourage
them to reach out to a mental health professional, or in emergencies, call emergency
services for immediate help.
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline where skilled, judgement free counselors are available to
provide compassionate support for you or a loved one. This service is available
24/7/365 and your conversation is free and confidential.