US bishops declare that the 'Healing and Hope' initiative concentrates on addressing the mental illness crisis at a local level.
US Conference of Catholic Bishops Launches "Healing and Hope" Mental Health Initiative
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has launched a new initiative called "Healing and Hope" as part of the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign. The campaign, spearheaded by Metropolitan Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak and Bishop Robert E. Barron, was unveiled in October 2023.
The "Healing and Hope" initiative aims to address the growing mental health crisis in the United States, particularly among the nation's youth. In 2021, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued an advisory on the mental health of the nation's youth, citing data that showed a 40% spike since 2009 in feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness among high school students.
The campaign will include bishops' reflections posted to the USCCB's social media platforms, as well as resources for Mental Health Sunday, which parishioners are encouraged to observe during the Oct. 11-12 weekend. The USCCB has also launched a novena for Mental Health, which commences on World Mental Health Day and concludes on Oct. 18. The novena focuses on aspects of mental health such as stigma, social relationships, and the impact of factors like racism and poverty. Saints and others invoked during the novena include St. Dymphna, patron of those with mental illness, St. Martin de Porres, who experienced racial discrimination, and Dorothy Day, a servant of God who attempted suicide as a young woman.
Among U.S. adults, anxiety disorders (19.1%) top the annual list of reported mental health conditions, followed by major depressive episodes (8.3%) and post-traumatic stress disorder (3.6%). Close to 60 million U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2021, with more than 14 million reporting a serious condition and well over 19 million battling both substance abuse and mental illness concurrently.
The goals of the "Healing and Hope" initiative are to raise awareness of mental health issues, remove the stigma associated with mental illness, and advocate for help for those in need. To achieve this, bishops, clergy, religious, and lay people will gather for state-level conferences on local mental health realities. Several organizations, including Catholic Charities USA, the Catholic Health Association, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, and the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, have partnered with Archbishop Gudziak and Bishop Barron in developing the campaign.
The first such event is scheduled to take place early next year in New Jersey. Parishioners are encouraged to raise awareness of mental health by observing "Mental Health Sunday" and to seek help for themselves or others who may be struggling. Those experiencing a mental health crisis can call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which also offers support in Spanish.
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, who is involved in leading the "Healing and Hope" initiative, has been appointed chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth. The revived digital campaign for the "Healing and Hope" initiative will undoubtedly bring hope and healing to many in need.
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