By Melissa Waldon
Special to The Texas Catholic
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.” (Psalm 34:19)
Today, many are brokenhearted and suffer from mental health conditions; according to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 in 5 adult Americans experience mental illness, leading to significant negative changes in thinking, emotion, behavior, or a combination of these issues, within a given year.
Within our faith communities, we are called to raise awareness, decrease stigma, and advocate for those impacted by mental illness, recognizing that stigma alone can cause those who suffer to withdraw from participation in their faith. Within the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, we seek to respond and to follow in the footsteps of Jesus’ healing ministry. Bishop Edward J. Burns, with his mental health initiative, and through the diocesan Office of Catholic Social Ministries, has prioritized the need to respond with generosity, hope, and compassion to those impacted by mental health conditions.
As a result, over 350 parishioners within our diocese have now attended and become certified in the evidence-based mental health first aid training, administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. This training, which teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges among adults and youth, has proven effective in reducing stigma and helping to cultivate compassionate and inclusive communities.
“Sandra,” a local parishioner, lost her daughter to death by suicide and says that she has since become acutely aware of the mental health struggles faced by many young adults. “The mental health first aid program has allowed me to teach others how to see the signs and symptoms of mental health crises,” she said. “So many are in dire need of our love and compassion, yet they are shy or unable to say out loud what they need. It is up to us to see that pain, acknowledge it, and give hope through prayers, resources, and opportunities.”
Who, then, is Jesus healing today? The Body of Christ, His Church, offers healing by accompanying the afflicted on their faith journey, offering hope and a greater awareness of God’s love.
Please continue to listen, advocate, believe, include, and pray for persons with mental health conditions.
Melissa Waldon is the associate director for disabilities and mental health for the Diocese of Dallas Office of Catholic Social Ministries. For more information on how to become a mental health first aid responder in your parish, contact Waldon at 214-379-2895 or by email at mwaldon@cathdal.org.
