Raising Awareness in the Local Church About Serious Mental Illness (Brain Disorders)

contributed by

Marianne Lucas

member, Our Saviour's United Methodist Church

Schaumburg, IL

1^st the Facts:

·         1 out of 5 adults will suffer from a serious mental illness in their lifetime.

·         Mental illnesses are biological – a chemical imbalance in the brain.

·         If treated early, many will recover and lead productive lives.

·         Mental illnesses are not anyone’s fault, or a result of poor upbringing.

Educating the Congregation

·         Give families an opportunity to tell their stories to the congregation.

·         Consider educational presentations or a series on the topic for established groups in the church (e.g. visitation groups, Stephen Ministers, United Methodist Women, Adult Sunday School, clergy and staff, and/or Sunday School teachers).

·         Provide a resource table. Include such items as educational materials, where one can get help, and books on the subject (including autobiographies).

Reaching Out to Individuals with Mental Illness and Their Families

·         The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) can provide speakers that are recovering from mental illness (In Our Own Voice program).

·         Organize a small group to share life experiences, a time for questions and answers, and some educational background information.

·         Visit the person suffering from mental illness in their home or hospital. Be open, willing to learn, and to just listen. Remember: they are the experts on what it is like to have a mental illness. This is a big support for the family, also.

·         Provide a support group for those who are experiencing mental illness and/or their families. (NAMI also has these groups.)

·         Offer a drop-in center once a month for socializing, recreation, light refreshments, etc. You may want to cooperate with other area churches in this.

Invite the NIC Mental Health Ministries Task Group to share insights, describe available resources, and lead dialogue about mental health ministry opportunities. Contact Marianne Lucas (847.885.2279 mariannejack@gmail.com) or Rev. Linda Deming (630.238.8746 deming_linda@att.net)