Mental Health Help For Your Community
The COVID pandemic is pushing Canada to the brink of a mental health crisis. A recent survey by the Canadian Mental Health Association revealed that only 35% of Canadians feel their mental health needs are being met during the pandemic. Public agencies providing mental health support are nearing their saturation point.
Twenty percent of those infected with the coronavirus are diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder within 90 days. Anxiety, depression, and insomnia were most common among recovered COVID-19 patients in the study who developed mental health problems.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are magnified this winter. Anxiety levels in students, teachers, frontline health care workers, and parents are at a century high level.
Offering Sanctuary
One of the most vital ways to serve God and be a light in your community is to offer sanctuary for all people, at all stages of their mental wellness journeys. Caring for mental health and well being is an important part of what it means to participate in God’s loving work.
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, individuals affected by mental health problems will often seek advice and assistance from spiritual leaders first and foremost.
Now is the time for every church in the ABNWT District to position themselves as a sanctuary for mental health in their community.
Now is the Time
Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries will equip your church to support mental health and wellbeing. Sanctuary is a Canadian organization providing resources that meaningfully engage faith and mental health.
The content is developed in collaboration with theologians, psychologists, and people with lived experiences of mental health challenges. Resources are offered for FREE because of generous donors.
The course consists of eight sessions, using printed material and videos. These resources will equip your church to raise awareness, reduce stigma, support mental health, and promote mental wellbeing.
You Can Do It, We Can Help
Join Bob Jones and Al Downey for Sanctuary Course training online at 1:00 pm on January 19th or 21st. Bob and Al facilitated this course for local churches during COVID. You and your team will learn how to host an online or onsite Sanctuary Course.
The course is for anyone who wants to learn about faith and mental health. It requires no previous training or expertise—just a willingness to engage in dialogue.
Bob Jones is the founder of REVwords.com, an author, blogger, and coach with 39 years of pastoral experience. Bob is also an Advance Coach with the ABNWT Resource Centre. You can connect with Bob here.