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Mental Health
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Mental Health Resources and Ways to Take Action
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In recent years, the pandemic, virtual learning, school shootings, limited access to mental healthcare, medication shortages, and other factors have led to increased suicide rates, worsening anxiety and depression, and other poor mental health outcomes among people of all ages, but especially our youth. Mental healths is a matter of life and death for too many, and it is something we cannot, in good conscience, ignore. The question is how should we respond? Below are five ideas to help get you started.
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1. Pray
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Prayers to St. Dymphna,Patron of those with Mental Health Conditions
Lord, our God, you graciously chose St. Dymphna as patroness of those afflicted with mental and nervous disorders and spiritual afflictions. She is thus an inspiration and a symbol of charity to the thousands who ask her intercession. Please grant, Lord, through the prayers of this pure youthful martyr, relief and consolation to all suffering such trials, and especially those for whom we pray. (Mention those for whom you wish to pray).
We beg you, Lord, to hear the prayers of St. Dymphna on our behalf. Grant all those for whom we pray patience in their sufferings and resignation to your divine will. Please fill them with hope, and grant them the relief and cure they so much desire.
We ask this through Christ our Lord who suffered agony in the garden. Amen.
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Praying with Scripture
Various scripture verses can provide comfort for those struggling with mental health conditions, themselves or with their loved ones.
Philippians 4:6-7: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the Peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Praying the Psalms of Lament can also bring solace. These prayers of individual or personal lament include Psalm 3, 4, 5, 7, 9-10, 13, 14, 17, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 36, 39, 40:12-17, 41, 42-43, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 61, 64, 70, 71, 77, 86, 89, 120, 139, 141, 142
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A Prayer to Rest in God's Love
Dear Lord, in the midst of my struggles with mental illness, I come before You seeking Your comforting and healing love. I feel the weight of this burden, and I long to find rest in Your presence. Lord, I know that Your love is a love like no other—unconditional, unwavering, and all-encompassing.
When the storms of anxiety, depression, or any mental health challenges rage within me, I ask for Your peace that surpasses all understanding to guard my heart and mind. Help me release the grip of fear and uncertainty that often overwhelms me. Remind me that I am Your precious child, and nothing can separate me from Your love.
I pray for strength to endure and for the courage to seek help and support when needed. Let Your love be a beacon of hope in my darkest moments, guiding me toward the path of healing and restoration. Surround me with compassionate individuals who can walk alongside me on this journey.
May I find solace in Your Word, knowing that You are the Great Physician who can mend the broken pieces of my mind and heart. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, the Comforter, and grant me the grace to rest in Your love, trusting that You are working all things together for my good.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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2. Get Informed
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What is Mental Illness?
A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.
Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible.
Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.
Learn more from NAMI Texas and the Mayo Clinic.
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10 Common Warning Signs of Mental Illness
Mental health problems are very common. 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences a mental illness, and nearly 1 in 25 (10 million) lives with a serious mental illness. Here are 10 common warning signs of mental illness:
Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than 2 weeks.
Trying to harm or kill oneself or others or making plans to do so.
Severe out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors.
Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with racing heart, physical discomfort, or fast breathing.
Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or weight gain.
Seeing, hearing, or believing things that are not real.
Repeatedly using drugs or alcohol.
Drastic changes in mood, behavior, personality, or sleeping habits.
Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still.
Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities.
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What does the Catholic Church say about Mental Illness?
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Catholic Social Teaching
All people are created in the image and likeness of God and therefore deserve dignity, including those with mental health conditions. Every person has a fundamental right to life and to the things required for human decency. Catholic Social Teaching also professes that humans are social beings. Everyone, regardless of their mental health status, also has a right and duty to participate in society. Persons with severe mental illness are among the most vulnerable members of society. We as Catholics are called to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first and to ensure that they have a voice in matters that affect them.
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The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
“Our society must provide health services and support to those who have mental illnesses and to their families and caregivers. As a community we need to support one another so no one feels unable to get help for a mentally ill family member or neighbor in need. Burdensome healthcare policies must be adjusted so people can get help for themselves or others in need. Just as we properly reach out to those with physical challenges we need to approach mental health concerns with equal sensitivity. There is no shame in seeking help for oneself or others; the only shame is in refusing to provide care and support.”
(Call for Action in Response to Newton Tragedy, December 21, 2012)
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Pope John Paul II
"Whoever suffers from mental illness always bears God's image and likeness in themselves, as does every human being. In addition, they always have the inalienable right not only to be considered as an image of God and therefore as a person, but also to be treated as such.”
(International Conference for Health Care Workers, on Illnesses of the Human Mind, November 30, 1996)
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3. Utilize Mental Health Resources
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and affiliates
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
NAMI Texas is the Texas chapter of NAMI with local affiliates.
Founded in 1984, NAMI Central Texas, formerly NAMI Austin, is our local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Through innovative education, support and advocacy programs, we are changing the way our community addresses mental health.
Find Your Local Mental Health Center (via Texas Health and Human Services)
Integral Care (Travis County): Provides services for anyone who needs immediate support, ongoing counseling to improve mental health, drug and alcohol treatment to help with recovery, and housing to regain health and independence
Bluebonnet Trails Community Services (Williamson & other counties surrounding Travis): Mental health care provider with various locations & services supporting communities to improve the health and independence of the persons and families they serve
Hill Country MHDD Center (counties surrounding Travis): Provides mental health, individual developmental disability, and substance abuse, services throughout the greater Texas Hill Country
Austin Clubhouse exists to provide acceptance and empowerment so adults living with mental health diagnoses can pursue professional goals and play a meaningful role as co-workers, colleagues, family members, neighbors and friends.
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NAMI Central Texas offers a variety of Support Groups and Educational Programs:
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The NAMI Central Texas Resource page offers a variety of mental health resources:
Local Mental Health Centers
Addiction and Mental Health
Community Services
Crisis Planning
Guides
Healthcare
Housing Support
Legal
Low Cost & Sliding Scale Counseling
Parent Resources
Printables
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4. Advocate for Mental Health
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Learn the basics of mental health advocacy.
Advocacy in Texas and Locally
Check out NAMI Texas and NAMI Central Texas' Advocacy pages. The Public Policy Platform for the next Texas legislative session is still in the works (expected early November). Check out NAMI Texas' Public Policy Platform for the 86th legislative session to learn more in the mean time!
National Advocacy
View NAMI's national policy priorities and sign up for NAMI's Advocacy Action Alerts.
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Have a Mental Health Conversation
Talking to a friend or family member about mental health doesn’t have to be awkward or intrusive—you’re showing people that you care about their wellbeing. That gesture can be life changing!
Start the conversation.
“It worries me to hear you talking like this. Let’s talk to someone about it.”
“I’ve noticed that you haven’t been acting like yourself lately. Is something going on?”
Offer support. Be patient, understanding, and provide hope.
“I really want to help. What can I do to help you right now?”
“Let’s sit down together and look for places to get help. I can go with you, too.”
“Do you need a ride to any of your appointments?”
Be a friend. Check in regularly and include your friend or loved one in your plans. Avoid saying things like “you’ll get over it,” “toughen up,” or “you’re fine.” Tell the person that having a mental health condition does not change the way you feel about them.
Learn more about mental illnesses. Recognize that some people with a mental health condition don’t realize that they are sick or deny that they have a mental illness. Sometimes this is a symptom of their condition.
Pray for the person and stay hopeful.
Take care of yourself. Keep doing what you love and seek support for yourself if the situation seems overwhelming.
You can also follow the steps NAMI Central Texas lays out for How to Start a Conversation about Mental Health.
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5. Take Care of Yourself & Stay Positive
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Tips for Self-Care as You Support Your own or Your Loved One's Mental Health
This infographic includes self-care tips as you take charge of your mental health.
This infographic includes self-care tips for those supporting their loved one's mental health.
Visit St. Austin's Take Care of Yourself and Stay Positive page for more ideas.
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