Downloadable Resources
Mental Health Ministry 101
Produced by Presbyterian Mental Health Ministry, a downloadable 17-slide presentation with active links to additional information and resources. This concise and practical introduction to mental health ministry through a Matthew 25 lens gives an overview of the current Presbyterian mental health initiative, introduces key relational capacities underpinning mental health ministry, and covers tools and resources available to congregations and mid councils, including links to current statistics on the mental health impact of COVID-19 broken down by race, age, gender. This resource can be used as a self-guided introduction or shared in Zoom conversations about mental health ministry and emailed to participants as a handout.
Mental Health Ministry through a Matthew 25 Lens
Produced by Presbyterian Mental Health Ministry. A graphic representation depicting how mental health ministry intersects with structural racism, systemic poverty, and COVID-19.
12 Things Your Congregation Can Do in Mental Health Ministry
Twelve Things We Wish You Knew for Pastors and Congregations from People with Mental Illness
Being a Stigma-Free Faith Community, https://www.nami.org/getattachment/Extranet/Education-Training-and-Outreach-Programs/Outreach-and-Advocacy/NAMI-FaithNet/NAMIFaithnet-StigmaFree2Pager.pdf 1 page flier (front and back) produced by NAMI Faith Net. Practical Guide for moving toward a stigma-free culture, which describe the hidden burden and dynamics of stigma surrounding mental health. Presents everyday examples of stigmatizing language and misinformation, and provides alternatives in accessible format: “Instead of . . . Try . . . ”
Comfort My People: A Policy Paper on Serious Mental Illness, with Study Guide (first edition, 2008, downloadable format) is a Presbyterian policy statement on serious mental illness with recommendations for action, stories of the “lived experience” and examples of congregational responses set within a theological framework. A bibliography and study guide are included. A second edition will be ready in time for the General Assembly in 2020.
Early Serious Mental Illness Guide for Faith Communities. nasmhpd.org/sites/default/files/Guide_for_Faith_Communities.pdf Kazandjian, M. (2018). Arlington, VA: National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. This six-page educational leaflet discusses early psychosis, effective evidence-based treatment, the importance of early intervention, and ways that faith communities can make a difference in recovery. It was prepared for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Mental Health: A Guide for Faith Leaders with Quick Reference Guide https://www.pathways2promise.org/mental-health-a-guide-for-faith-leaders/ 65 page publication produced by American Psychiatric Association Foundation in 2018. Part I provides an introduction to mental illness, common mental illnesses, suicide, diagnosis and treatment, and recovery and resilience. Part II covers congregations seeking to be more inclusive/welcoming, how/when to make referrals, dealing with resistance to treatment, distinguishing religious/spiritual problems from mental illness, and approaching a person with an urgent mental health concern. Quick Reference Guide is a companion piece. Both available free through Pathways to Promise.
Useful Websites
Mental Health First Aid mentalhealthfirstaid.org is a program of the National Council for Behavioral Health that teaches mental health first aid skills to the public. It teaches how to identify signs of mental illness and substance use disorders and how to respond in a helpful way when someone is in crisis or pain, including when someone may be having suicidal thoughts. Three types of courses are offered: adult (skills needed to reach out to adults), youth (skills for adults to reach out to youth), and teens (skills for teens to reach out to teen peers). Courses are offered across the country, and the website has a search function to find courses being offered near you. Special trainings for organizations, companies and groups can be arranged.
Mental Health Ministries mentalhealthministries.net offers a range of educational resources with a focus on the elimination of stigma about mental illness and the creation of caring faith communities. It publishes an outstanding newsletter six times yearly with a wealth of seasonal materials and resources for observations such as Mental Health Month in May, Suicide Prevention month in September, and Mental Illness Awareness week in October.
NAMI FaithNet nami.org/faithnet is an information resource and network for its members, and for clergy and people of faith from all traditions. The goal is to encourage the development of welcoming and spiritually nourishing environments in every place of worship. NAMI FaithNet provides a wide variety of resources such as bulletin inserts and a ready-to-use presentation, Bridges of Hope (nami.org/Extranet/Education,-Training-and-Outreach-Programs/Outreach-and-Advocacy/NAMI-FaithNet/Bridges-of-Hope), to educate faith communities about mental illness so they can create stronger safety nets and welcoming communities for people affected by mental illness.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) nami.org is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness. NAMI has chapters throughout the U.S. that equip and train grassroots volunteer facilitators who provide individual and family-to-family support groups. The NAMI website has mental health statistics, a HelpLine, articles written by people living with mental health conditions, and a special section with resources for faith communities. NAMI HelpLine volunteers respond with free referrals, information and support. For information about what is available in your community, contact your local NAMI affiliate directly or call the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
Mental Health America https://www.mhanational.org/ Mental Health America is dedicated to the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the mental health of all. This website features a wealth of resources addressing the intersection of mental health and racial equity.
National Institute of Mental Health nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml is the lead federal agency for research on mental health with a comprehensive collection of downloadable resources for the general public and for mental health professionals, including information about specific conditions and evidence-based treatment options, statistical data, and the latest research and clinical trials.
Pathways to Promise pathways2promise.org is an interfaith cooperative that provides information, resources, and training in the Companionship program model for ministries with people experiencing mental illness and their loved ones
UCC (United Church of Christ) Mental Health Network http://www.mhn-ucc.org/ offers a wealth of resources for congregations at any stage of mental health ministry, including an introduction to their W.I.S.E. (Wise, Inclusive, Supportive and Engaged) program for congregations.
