May 1, 2024
Mountains (provided)
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This month, we can all be mental health advocates, joining others to come together as one unified voice to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health and illness, increase visibility of treatment options and support those who deal with mental health concerns.
There are many things individuals, congregations and organizations can do. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website, nami.org/home, is a great place to learn more and find ways to get involved. NAMI also has a specialized resource for people of faith called FaithNet (nami.org/Get-Involved/NAMI-FaithNet). This is an interfaith resource network of NAMI members, friends, clergy and congregations of all faith traditions who wish to encourage faith communities who are welcoming and supportive of persons and families living with mental illness. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing also has very helpful resources at thenationalcouncil.org.
Congregations, presbyteries and synods can display brochures about NAMI and local mental health resources in a visible location in their church buildings or at gatherings, and can put this information on their websites. Mental health advocates and professionals can be invited to offer minutes for missions in worship, and pastors can preach on mental health and illness to raise awareness and open up conversations.
Kathy Riley, Associate for Emotional and Spiritual Care, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Daily Readings
Today’s Focus: Mental Health Awareness Month begins
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Bridgett Green, Vice President/Executive of Publishing & Editorial Director, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation
Hannah Green, Assistant Trust Officer, Presbyterian Foundation
Let us pray
Gracious God, guide us as we walk together to bring hope, healing and accompaniment to all who are affected by mental health concerns. Help us offer the grace and compassion you have given us to everyone we meet on life’s journey. Amen.