May is Mental Health Awareness Month
In the month of May we observe Mental Health Awareness Month. Providing resources, engaging in advocacy and education, trauma informed ministry and care, healing and sustaining prayers and so much more help us to be the best neighbors in our community when it comes to helping those in need of support. Below you’ll find some resources to share to help you observe Mental Health Awareness Month.
ELCA Social Message on Mental Illness
“The Body of Christ and Mental Illness” seeks to raise awareness of the challenges of mental illness, offer reflection and direction, and inspire action. This social message notes how mental illness makes the most basic aspects of everyday life daunting and sketches some of the challenges. These include the challenges to human dignity and difficulties in gaining access to treatment, problems that worsen existing social inequalities and lapses in the U.S. health care system.
The message puts to rest the notion that mental illness is an indicator of special sin in the family or the person suffering from it. It emphasizes the church's role in encouraging companionship and healing, via restoration of relationships — heeding Galatians 6:2. What people with mental illness most need is time to pursue and engage in treatment and to maintain or create relationships where they can exercise their abilities. Throughout the many forms of ministry the church provides, the church is called to confront practices that do not uphold human dignity and to offer hope and companionship, and attend to its own practices around health, its public voice, and the sensitive and thoughtful preparation of church leaders.
You can read or download the full social message on “The Body of Christ and Mental Illness.” This social message was adopted in 2012 by the Church Council of the ELCA.
Mental Health Resources from Portico Benefits
As a recap, here are the mental health programs and resources to ensure your employees and household members are aware of:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Carelon Behavioral Health (24/7 support; ages 13+)
Learn to Live online education (ages 13+)
Talkspace online therapy (24/7 counseling via app by phone or laptop)
Being Academy faith-based podcasts and online courses (sample topics: beating burnout, navigating anxiety, managing grief).
Available only for ELCA-Primary benefit members: Mental health benefits via the ELCA Health Plan for therapy, medication management and other treatments
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
St. Paul Lutheran Church in Neenah is hosting a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for those 18 years and older who work and interact with youth. The training will be on Saturday, May 31, 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Registration cost is $35 which includes the workbook, lunch, and refreshments throughout the day. People can register on the St. Paul Lutheran Church website, www.stpaulneenah.org under the sign up tab. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Amy (pastor@stpaulneenah.org ). Last day to register is May 15. View or print the flyer here.
Lutheran Social Services Offers an Array of Support
LSS embeds hope in communities, encouraging healing for self and others. They resource opportunities for recovery, teaming up with families, neighbors and partners to transform the broken spirit of one and lift up potential for all. Learn more.
NAMI Wisconsin
NAMI Wisconsin is an organization of families, friends and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. Together, we advocate for better support, resources and recovery for all. You can learn more or make a gift that makes a difference here.
Mental Health for Retirees and Senior Citizens
Did you know there are many online options for free counseling for seniors and those who are on Medicare? A simple google search: counseling for seniors on Medicare will provide lots of options.
Videos from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on Mental Health
