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In Pursuit of the Perfect Christmas: The Holidays and Mental Health
It has been a gradual, often painful learning process for our family as we collectively recognize a truth buried deep within our bones. Our bodies do not always differentiate between ‘good’ stress and ‘bad’. The physical reactions to excessive happiness, joy, and eager anticipation can feel very much like those reactions to fear, anxiety, and…
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Discernment of Spirits and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
In April of 2020, the University of Regina in Saskatchewan announced the development of its online therapy unit devoted to making treatment for anxiety and depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) more accessible to the general public. This was an especially important move as experiences of these very challenges have become more prominent in peoples’
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Breaking Out of our Pain: Rote prayer, Intercessory Prayer and our Mental Health
A couple of years ago, in that pre-pandemic time of what one friend refers to as “The Great Before”, I was playing dodgeball at a youth rally with a team of highly energetic young people who had banded together to resoundingly defeat our beloved bishop. At one point I found myself staring at a large,
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Language of Pain: The Psalms and Our Mental Health
When my wife and I took a trip to Niagara Falls three years ago, our social media feeds rapidly filled up with photos and comments about how much fun we were having. It was such an exciting trip that, upon our return, we readily, and happily told anyone who would listen about the amazing sights
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Mental Health and The Spiritual Life
In case you may have missed the parish mission held at St. Augustine’s parish in Wilcox, SK earlier this week, you may view the recording below. It was a profound blessing to join the small group gathered in person as well as those online, for this evening of sharing our story of mental health challenges
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Breaking Open For Each Other
This week I share with you the homily that I intend to preach for Solidarity Sunday this weekend. It is a particularly important occasion for our Emmaus Family Support Ministry as it marks the first time Melissa and I have been asked to lead a Lenten Mission on the topic of Mental Health, faith, and
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Killing the Mentally Ill Is Not Healthcare
Today we welcome the following guest post from an anonymous contributor sharing about the impact the ideas behind Bill C-7 has had on her, from the perspective of one who suffers serious mental health challenges; When I first heard of Bill C-7, the first emotion that I felt was betrayal. Why did I feel betrayed?
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Joy to the World: Building Resiliency this Christmas
One afternoon, in the midst of a very frank conversation with my daughter about the weird things that BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) drive people to do, the conversation took an even stranger, but ultimately delightful turn; Imagining how BPD might be portrayed in a comedy sketch… [Scene: A young woman sits at desk at a
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Suffering in Silence
I stood in the doorway of the parish where I worked, waving goodbye to a visitor. One of dozens who would pop in throughout the day to make a donation, register for a program, drop off information, or just to visit. She stopped on her way out and turned with a smile, “You have probably
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Live Life to the Full: Australian Bishops on Mental Health
It’s not easy to find statements from Catholic Bishops on mental health issues. I don’t think this is because they don’t see mental health as important or they are themselves, insulated from mental health challenges personally or in their families. I know enough Bishops and priests to know their lives are as much a struggle
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.
Be a Gentle Presence in Someone’s Storm: Mental Health First Aid
Our Emmaus Companions newsletter helps to maintain contact with other caregivers, resources, and inspiration for the road ahead.
Emmaus Support Mental Health Ministries 