Author: Kaitlin Scirri
Get Well Soon. Wishing You a Speedy Recovery. Thinking of You.
When it comes to physical illness, we have many phrases, cards, and kindnesses ready and waiting. We’ve all known someone who has fallen ill or been injured and has needed our love, support, care, and prayers. But what about when it comes to mental illness? We’ve likely all known someone who has suffered with mental illness. But did we know how to love them? How to support and care for them?
For years, destigmatizing mental illness has been a priority for many. Many websites, videos, and blogs have been dedicated to mental health awareness and support, which is wonderful. As Catholic Christians, we are called to love and care for all of our brothers and sisters, including those with illnesses that may not be as obvious as physical illnesses or injuries. But how do we do that? We may not have cards or phrases readily available. Making soup or sending flowers doesn’t seem to fit. So what if we just love those with mental illness?
What does loving someone with a mental illness look like? It looks like walking beside them, letting them know you are there for them, praying for them, and sharing the truths of our faith with them.
Following are some truths of our faith that you may wish to share with a loved one living with mental illness.
First, no one with a mental illness is alone. If you have a mental illness, you may often feel lonely. It can be so difficult trying to help others understand what your life is like. But it is important that you understand that though you may feel lonely at times, you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Mental illness is common, and those with mental illness are just as much our brothers and sisters in Christ as those with physical illness and those who are blessed with good health.
Second, everyone with a mental illness is a beloved child of God. Each one of us is made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). As St. Pope John Paul II wrote, “…whoever suffers from mental illness always bears God’s image and likeness in himself, as does every human being. In addition, he always has 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.”
Third, Jesus loves you and longs to be close to you. In Jesus’ day, when someone was ill in any way, that person was ostracized from society. They were cast aside and people feared them. But Jesus didn’t cast anyone aside and He wasn’t afraid to embrace those whom others ran from. He shocked many when He drew near to the ill and the outcast. Just as Jesus drew near to them, He desires to draw near to you.
Lastly, having a mental illness does not mean your faith is lacking in any way. Illnesses like depression and anxiety may lead you to believe that you are lacking in faith, that your inability or lack of desire to attend church or your despair over the future means you aren’t trusting in God. But that is a lie of the devil because the devil wants you to feel disconnected from God and the Church.
So what are some ways you can embrace your faith and lean on God while living with mental illness? First, be loving and kind to yourself. Beating yourself up over an inability to practice your faith will not help you grow closer to God. The Sunday obligation is excused for illness, and this includes mental illness. While having a mental illness should never be used as an excuse for intentionally skipping Sunday Mass, if your illness is preventing you from attending, then it is indeed a valid reason.
Whether or not you are able to attend Mass in person, there are additional ways you can practice your faith. Prayer is a beautiful way to reach out to God during a difficult time or illness. Prayer can be done from anywhere at any time. You can find Eucharistic Adoration near you, find a peaceful chapel or shrine, take a walk in a park, or pray right at home. The Church even has special prayers specifically for those struggling with mental illness. For example, St. Dymphna is the Patroness of those with nervous and mental afflictions. There is a St. Dymphna Novena you can pray as well as a Novena for Anxiety and Depression to St. Dymphna. There is also a Novena to St. Louis Martin, the father of St. Therese of Lisieux, for depression, anxiety, and mental disorders.
Embracing the sacraments is another way to hold onto your faith during an illness. The sacraments of healing are beautiful ways to grow closer to God. For example, the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is not just for physical illness. Those with mental illnesses may also wish to receive this sacrament of healing.
There are also an abundance of resources for anyone with a desire to learn about ministering to those with mental illness. The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers has resources available to parishes and dioceses who wish to establish mental health ministries. The Catholic Institute for Mental Health Ministry has a similar mission, helping to develop mental health ministry leaders. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, there is also the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
Whether you are living with a mental illness yourself or hoping to comfort someone who is, we hope these truths of our faith have helped provide some guidance. And of course remember that comforting others doesn’t always require words. Sometimes sitting quietly with someone or offering a silent prayer from your heart is the best way to lovingly speak our faith.