-
Spiritual Peer Support Breaks Stigma, Preserves Dignity Through Acknowledgment
by Deacon Eric Gurash In the effort to provide hope and wholeness for individuals living with mental health challenges and for those who support them, several core values help to guide the work of peer support. Spiritual Peer Support seeks to uphold and integrate these core values in its efforts to foster spaces of empathy…
-
Building Resiliency and Finding Grace in the Dark
By Deacon Eric Gurash It can be a challenge to be aware of God’s presence, activity, and nearness, even on our best days. For those grappling with a mental health challenge, whether it’s an acute, situational issue or a chronic, long-term condition, confidence in God’s nearness and care can be fleeting. Feelings of isolation and…
-
On Hope and Healing: The Bishops of California Speak About Mental Health
In May of 2018, the Catholic Bishops Conference of California published a pastoral letter on caring for those who mental health challenges. Addressed to “all Catholics and people of good will,” the letter seeks to highlight the need to develop communities of care and support both within the church and within society as a whole.…
-
A Reason for Hope
by Deacon Eric Gurash For many Christians, the Christmas season provides an exciting climax to the time of eager anticipation that is Advent. It is a period when the Christian faith having resonated deeply with the call to prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ, now rejoices in receiving the Messiah anew and in the…
-
Communities of Care: Catholic Teachings Shape Mental Health Peer Support
The theological underpinnings and social teachings of our Catholic faith offer robust frameworks for addressing mental health needs within our communities. These principles, deeply rooted in our understanding of the dignity of the human person and Catholic spiritual wisdom, provide a solid foundation for novel approaches that combine Catholic values with the evolving movement towards…
-
Mental Health in the Bible: Learning from Leah, Hannah, Jeremiah, and Naomi
Following up on a previous examination of biblical figures and mental health, this month we look at four more well-known figures whose faith helped them to navigate a variety of challenging mental health experiences.
-
Message from the Permanent Council to the Catholic Faithful on Permitting Persons living with Mental Illness to Access Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide
The Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has released a message to the Catholic faithful regarding the expansion of eligibility criteria for euthanasia and assisted suicide (MAiD) to include individuals with a sole medical condition of mental illness. In the message, the CCCB expresses concern about the harmful effects of euthanasia…
-
Open Letter From the CCCB Permanent Council To the Government of Canada on Permitting Persons Living with Mental Illness to Access Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide
On Tuesday, May 9th, 2023, The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) wrote an open letter to the Government of Canada expressing their deep concern about expanding Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) to persons solely experiencing mental health challenges. Despite opposition from mental health experts and a recent poll showing low support, the expansion is…
-
Mental health in the Bible: learning from the experiences of David, Elijah, Job, and Paul
Mental health challenges can be difficult for anyone to deal with, but they can be especially difficult for family members trying to support loved ones. You may feel like you are alone in your struggles. It can be helpful to note that many people throughout history faced similar challenges, including several biblical persons you may…
-
Finding Joy in the Gospel; Positive Psychology and the Spiritual Life
A friend loaned me a book a few months ago that I’ve just picked up again. Christopher Kaczor’s “The Gospel of Happiness” proposes a unique relationship between Christian spiritual practices and this particular psychological approach. While I don’t intend to provide a review of the book itself, I have been intrigued by the strengths-based approach…
Emmaus Support’s Faith and Mental Health page features stories and articles that illuminate the intersection of spirituality, faith practices, and mental health supports. Here you will discover how these powerful combinations foster resilience, enhance coping skills, and transform the lives of individuals grappling with mental health challenges, as well as the family members and loved ones who walk with them. Join us on this journey of hope and healing as we shed light on the impact of faith in the realm of mental health.
Our Emmaus Companions newsletter helps to maintain contact with other caregivers, resources, and inspiration for the road ahead.
Emmaus Support Mental Health Ministries 