Links to Other Sites

Mental Health Awareness Resources for Congregations

Comprehensive links on Mental Health and Faith/Congregational Life

NAMI FaithNet
https://www.nami.org

This site is an interfaith resource network of NAMI members, friends, clergy and congregations of all faith traditions who wish to encourage faith communities who are welcoming and supportive of persons and families living with mental illness, and to promote the vital role of spirituality in the recovery journeys of many who live with mental health conditions, those for whom faith is a key component.

It includes information on mental illness, awareness on how to become more welcoming and inclusive, tips for how to help someone with mental illness, sample services and sermons, inspirational healings and prayers, information about National Day of Prayer for mental illness, and other resources. Some of these resources are included in this packet.
It also has links to a Faith and Spirituality Discussion Group and Faith Support Groups.

Mental Health Ministries
http://www.mentalhealthministries.net

This is a site rich with resources, from a variety of denominations. Begun by the Rev. Susan Gregg-Schoeder, a United Methodist minister and person who lives with mental illness, the website produces “high quality resources to reduce stigma of mental illness in faith communities and lift up the important role of faith/ spirituality in the treatment and recovery process.”

It includes litanies and prayers; a variety of denominational sites with information on mental illness; video clips; information on specific mental health conditions and relevant material on COVID-19 and mental health; articles, books, handouts, bulletin inserts, and fliers; information on how to organize a conference and training curriculum.
It has a section on “what worked for us,” where congregations share their ideas.

And bulletin inserts on topics such as “How Faith Communities Can Support Veterans and their Families,” “Mental Illness in Children and Adolescents,” and “Mental Health in Challenging Times.”

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://afsp.org

This site has a wealth of information and stories that can be helpful to build awareness and understanding. An example is this blog post, which speaks to the role of the church in improving mental health in the African American community, citing one study that says over 90% of African Americans reported the use of religion in coping with mental health issues.

Mental Health and Faith Community Partnership
https://www.psychiatry.org

This guide from the American Psychiatric Association provides information to help faith leaders work with members of their congregations and their families who are facing mental health challenges.

Pathways2Promise
https://www.pathways2promise.org

Founded in 1988 by fourteen faith groups and mental health organizations, this program facilitates the faith community’s work in reaching out to those with mental illnesses and their families. They provide training, consultation and other resources for faith groups who want to become supportive, caring communities for people with mental illnesses and their families.

Mental Health America
https://mhanational.org

A leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all. Includes mental health and stress screening tools.

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