Pastoral Care Resources

But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. (1 Corinthians 24-26)

Times of Crisis

Mental Health

Concerns Related to Mental Health Resources from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Concerns Related to Mental Illness Though you are not likely to be involved in the treatment or management of mental illness, you can be helpful by becoming familiar with your local service providers. Which ones are still open? Which mental health providers have telemedicine options?

Substance Abuse

Many churches have struggled with having to close their buildings to substance abuse recovery meetings. You can still help support those in recovery by helping direct them to alternate resources in place, including many online options. If you have closed meetings temporarily at your site, be sure to leave signs on your doors letting people know how they can get in touch with the local Central Service Office to find alternative locations/methods of connecting.
When it comes to addictive substances, be sure to check in with parishioners and yourself during this time. Are you drinking more? Is alcohol affecting your mood in a negative way? Are you relying on medication more than usual? Be on the lookout for substance abuse developing during this stressful time.

Suicide Prevention

When checking in with parishioners, or should a parishioner reach out to you, be aware of some of the warning signs related to suicidal thoughts. Risk factors for suicide include: 1. Do they have a plan? 2. Is there a history of attempt or relative who has died by suicide? 3. Do they have access to means? If you do not feel comfortable assessing risk for suicide, this is a good time to reach out to a colleague to refresh those skills.
If you discover someone is thinking about it, ask the question, “Are you thinking of hurting/killing yourself?” Ask about their plan, history and means, and immediately connect them with a community resource (now is a good time to familiarize yourself with and know those resources). Get them to promise to get help, and follow up. Help them think through people they can call. Most people who are suicidal are not acutely suicidal every minute, so help buy them time to get past the tunnel vision that says this is the only way out. If you encounter this situation, remember to take the time afterward to care for yourself as well.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

LISTEN: From Episcopal Relief & Development – Addressing Isolation and Quarantine (from webinar recorded March 20 and includes discussion related to domestic violence)
Unfortunately, for some, the mandatory “stay-at-home” order is asking them to stay in a place that is not safe, adding yet another layer of stress and anxiety to an already stressful time. If you know of someone at risk of domestic violence, encourage them to work on developing a safety plan, including having a bag stored away, knowing who you can go to, having important papers and prescriptions ready to go. Shelters and other essential operations are still open and follow guidelines to help keep people healthy. For those who have struggled with anger or whose stress might escalate, know the triggers and identify actions that can help diffuse them.

COVID-19

Discussing Coronavirus with Children and Youth

Concerns Related to Isolation LISTEN: From Episcopal Relief & Development – Addressing Isolation and Quarantine (from webinar recorded March 20) For many, especially those living alone, the challenges of being in isolation during this stay-at-home order extends far beyond boredom and the stress of a dwindling toilet paper supply. Stress, decreasing self-care and in-place stresses like mental illness, substance abuse issues and thoughts of suicide can all be exacerbated in isolation. Everyone, even those without prior histories of substance abuse, family violence or mental health conditions, may very well be struggling with those issues now or in the coming weeks. Please ask everyone about their substance use, family relationships, and mental wellness in your pastoral check-in calls. This will help normalize that these issues might emerge and that their church community is a safe place to bring them. Additional COVID-19 Resources