Consider USCCB novena in mental wellness goals for self, others

With January designated as Mental Wellness Month, it is an appropriate time to set goals for mental health awareness among families, friends and communities. It is also a good time to tap into the on-going United States Conference of Catholic’s Bishop’s National Catholic Mental Health Campaign which began in October 2023.

In their joint statement at the beginning of the campaign, Archbishop Borys Gudziak, chairman, USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development and Bishop Robert Barron, chairman, USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, explained, “Although mental illness is a pervasive and common aspect of human life, there is an alarming shortage of mental and behavioral health resources and providers. Furthermore, over the last decade, both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an alarming increase in depression and suicidal tendencies, especially among young people. Despite its ubiquity, mental illness and mental health challenges often remain associated with embarrassment, shame, or guilt, which can prevent people from seeking and receiving help.”

They described the campaign as “a modest initial effort by the USCCB, with the support of key collaborators in ministry and advocacy, to address this enormous issue and start discussions that can lead to greater action and change.” The campaign was set to begin with three main components: a Novena, virtual roundtables, and advocacy for more resources so that everyone who needs help can get help.

The statement underscored that “the Novena has a ‘Pray, Learn, Act’ structure, with different themes for each day. It will seek to inform and encourage both prayer and action in response to nine of the many distinct aspects of mental health,” including: Removing Stigmas, Families, Mental Health Ministry, Childhood, Youth and Young Adults, Effects of Racial Discrimination on Mental Health, Poverty and Mental Health, Suicide Awareness and Grief.

Archbishop Gudziak and Bishop Barron explained that virtual roundtables will be held first with bishops and then with other Catholic leaders “to discuss how mental illness touches every person’s life, to stand again any kind of stigma, and to discern proactive measure to move forward.”

Finally, the Bishops invite “all Catholics and people of good will to advocate for bipartisan legislation and policies that address the severe lack of health care resources for prevention and treatment of mental health conditions. Together, we can work towards a more just and compassionate society.”

 

Novena for Mental Health
 

“… We offer this Novena in solidarity with those suffering from mental health challenges as well as health care professionals, family, and friends who are caring for people in need. The World Foundation of Mental Health identified the 2023 theme as “Mental health is a universal human right.” We hope that this modest Novena will move all people to discern how God is calling them to offer greater assistance to those with mental health needs.”

Day 1 – Removing Stigmas

 

Pray

St. Dymphna (7th Century) is known as a patron of persons suffering from mental and neurological disorders and illnesses, as well as mental health professionals. According to legend, she was an Irish princess who fled from her father, a man who appears to have had a mental illness. She is said to have settled in Geel, Belgium, but was ultimately found and martyred by her father. The people of Geel built a church in her honor, and many made the pilgrimage there seeking to be cured of mental illness. So many pilgrims came that the people of Geel began to open their homes to them, providing them a place to stay. Persons with mental illness could live and work in their community without stigma or discrimination. Even today the town of Geel is known as a model for community acceptance of persons who live with mental illness.

Good St. Dymphna, great wonder worker in every affliction of mind and body, we humbly implore your powerful intercession with Jesus through Mary, for the health of the sick.

St. Dymphna, patroness of persons with mental health conditions, always look out for those men and women, for their healing and recovery, and for an end to stigma and indifference in society.

Amen.

St. Dymphna, pray for us.

 

Learn

Many people will experience a mental health challenge at some point in their life. The three most common disorder categories are depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. Yet, despite how common mental illness is, persons living with the symptoms of a mental health condition still face the added burden of stigma. Self-stigma can result in low self-esteem, low self-efficacy, and feelings of futility. Moreover, stigma may result in discrimination, such as in housing or employment.

Stigmatization can also occur in important settings within the Church. Many coping with mental illness or facing mental health challenges seek help from the Church, often before mental health professionals, and receive vital social support within parish life. But if they perceive stigmatization in the Church, they may shy away from involvement. Common stereotypes include that persons with poor mental health are dangerous, somehow responsible for their symptoms, unable to care for themselves, and unlikely ever to recover. These stereotypes are false! One of the first ways to eradicate stigmas from Church life is to learn about mental health.

 

ACT

Before we can collectively move toward removing stigmas from the Church, we must first reflect on our own beliefs about, and behaviors toward, persons living with mental health conditions. Learn more about how broad the term mental illness is, which covers, for example, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders. To dispel stereotypes that you may hold, consider taking The Sanctuary Course for Catholics to learn more about mental health, including mental illness, and how to accompany fellow parishioners in their mental health journey.

 

To read the full Novena visit www.usccb.org/mental-health-novena.

To learn more about the USCCB National Catholic Campaign for Mental Health visit www.usccb.org/committees/domestic-justice-and-human-development/mental-and-behavioral-health

To read the October Bishops’ statement, which includes an appendix with links to important statistics on mental health visit www.usccb.org/resources and type in ‘mental health.’