Mental Health: Come to Me, and I will Give You Rest
Most seminary-trained clergy are required to take courses dealing with psychology and counseling. However, in some traditions, these requirements are perfunctory at best. Therefore, a significant number of pastors are ill-prepared to deal with these issues unless they’ve had previous training or seek further training in this area.
Bridging the Gap between Black Churches and Mental Health
Churches that have historically served Black communities are uniquely positioned to address unattended mental health needs for African Americans.
Raising Our Spirits Together: Q&A with Dr. Addie Weaver
Addie Weaver, assistant professor of social work at the University of Michigan, believes churches can be part of the solution to our mental health crisis. For her, the delivery of mental health care to underserved groups, particularly those in rural areas, is a justice issue.
Out with the Old, in with the New
The science behind creating new behaviors can help you “count the cost” of your resolutions and make decisions that make you more likely to succeed in accomplishing your goals.
The Christmas Blues
Maybe you are thinking that in a world of Cindy-Lou Whos you just feel like the Grinch. But things can change. Last week Drew highlighted how mental health is more than wishful thinking and a prayer. In fact, dealing effectively with the Christmas blues requires proactive steps.
No Place for Them in the Therapy Room
In a sense, Mary and Joseph are outliers. God chose them alone to bear and raise God’s only son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. In another way, they are just like us. Life can hand anyone trials and tribulations that will bring the strongest of us to our knees. We all have mental health needs; it is only the details of our need that differ.
Mental Health Needs in Your Church
This resource, created by the American Psychiatric Association, is a guide for faith leaders to help us navigate the mental health care needs we encounter on the frontlines.
Science Says: Take a Chill Pill
Vacations are good medicine. Science proves it, as we’re about to show you. So be sure to take that vacation before the summer ends. And even during the busy school year, be sure to find some Sabbath time each and every week.
The Role of Faith in a Mental Health Crisis
One-in-five adults suffered from mental illness (52.9 million Americans) in 2021. For 14.2 million American adults the diagnosis is severe. Of those suffering, fewer than half received treatment and the young (18–25 years-old) are more susceptible to illness and receive the least care. These numbers tell us that wherever five or more gather, not only is Christ among them, but one likely suffers some type of mental illness. This is one place science can help the church.
Race and Health: The Intersection of Disadvantage
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus explains that God’s telos must be understood in terms of a Christian engagement that includes making provisions for the needs of the most vulnerable members of society.