How faith leaders can understand the mental health crisis

(RNS) – The COVID-19 pandemic was the first time the crisis in America’s mental health became apparent to many. Isolated at home, often with children cut off from peers or adults who have lost their jobs, we have seen first-hand the chronic stress, anxiety and rising rates of destroy what was already simmering beneath the surface of American life.

Faith leaders may have been familiar with mental health issues in our congregations, but we too have been slow to consider the prevalence of this scourge and the role we have to play in the health of our congregations. the mind of those with whom we share a higher status. and the lowest.

In May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, pastors can begin to understand how to deal with these challenges. Pirkei Avot, an ancient rabbinical text, teaches that, «You do not have to complete a task, but you are also not free to leave it.»

Like many of my colleagues, I often sit with members of the congregation who share their problems. Some have died of someone they love. Others struggle to get out of bed, unable to find the silver lining that allows them to face the sun. Because of the stigma associated with mental health services, few seek medical treatment. Therefore, the advice and guidance of the ministry can be the only protective barrier between the members of the congregation and a potentially dangerous situation.

Three years ago, I asked, what if we could bring mental health services directly to them?

That question gave birth to the Sinai Temple Mental Health Center. In 2020, as the pandemic continued, our synagogue hired a full-time licensed social worker to help assess and map the mental health needs of our community, including clergy and staff. A social worker provides short-term one-on-one counseling, runs our bereavement groups and provides community wellness programs.

The lessons we’ve learned are profound: When mental health becomes a fundamental part of a religious organization, the stigma diminishes because mental health is ingrained in our daily repertoire. Whether congregants are caring for a sick parent, grieving the death of a loved one or suffering from depression or another mood disorder, the presence of a mental health professional in the congregation can be recalls: “I thought it was just me. Now I know, I’m not alone.»

I have seen this powerful in many ways over the past three years. After the death of a young father in my congregation, he met with other parents to help them not only deal with the family crisis, but also with their questions. The parents wondered, “If he is dead, what does this mean for my life? How do we go with this pain?» They wanted to know what was appropriate to grow up to tell their children about this disease.

He again reached out to the clergy. While we were burying a beloved member of the village, he gave us a place to mourn.

To help members of the congregation deal with other challenges, she has brought together families dealing with a loved one with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and created a close-knit community of support and friendship.

While it may not be possible for every house of worship to hire a therapist, it is still possible to bring mental health resources closer to your members by following a few guidelines. .

First, build a healthy mind in the teachings of your faith. The biblical story of Hannah shows what might be found to be depressive symptoms, as Hannah is unable to have children, leaving her husband to ask his beloved wife, «Why are you crying, and why don’t you eat? Why are you so sad?” It teaches us that mental health problems, which are a normal part of everyday life, nevertheless deserve careful attention and treatment. Pastors can affirm these teachings from the pulpit.

Second, be informed. Consider bringing in qualified doctors to provide suicide prevention training and mandated training of reporters to help spot child abuse and elder abuse. At least, know the signs of the causes of the risk of suicide, how there are tendencies and thoughts of suicide and how to report someone who is thinking about suicide or how to recognize and report abuse to the security services.

Third, make a list of community mental health programs to which you can refer members of the congregation. You are not expected to be a faith leader and expert or to have room for every mental battle your congregation faces. Look for recommendations for pediatricians and doctors who accept new clients. Familiarize yourself with counseling centers that offer flexible payment options. What online therapy programs are available in your area? Be on the lookout for mental health education offerings or speakers in your area that will improve the lives of members of your congregation.

Finally, consider sharing the cost of a mental health therapist with another congregation. Faith leaders spend hours creating sanctuaries of dignity and safety. What a blessing it is to provide mental health resources in a person’s house of worship. Whether a doctor is helping a congregation consider steps to place their parent in a nursing home or talking to a pastor about end-of-life issues, that guidance is very important.

We may not be able to solve the mental health problem in our country, but as religious leaders we have a deep responsibility and a unique opportunity to help our community have conversations about health. mental health and reducing stigma. Our mental health care can be the very thing that allows our members to see the divine in themselves and ultimately, walk the path of hope again.

Rabbi Nicole Guzik, a trained marriage and family therapist, is an associate rabbi at Temple Sinai, one of the largest synagogues in Los Angeles. The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Religion News Service.