Mental Health: Drawing Near to the Suffering

Growing up in rural Minnesota, I rarely remember mental health being talked about. When it was, it was always veiled or
brushed off. A person who experienced anxiety was “just a worrier”; someone with depression was “only a pessimist.” Even
today, as I talk to loved ones about seeking help, there are fears about privacy in a small community and lack of access to quality faith-based counselors.

As the articles in this issue show, they’re not alone in their fears—stigma still exists and rural areas are underserved by
mental health services. Thankfully, change is on the horizon. Catholics are courageously speaking out about their own
experiences with mental health challenges. An example of this is found in our Pastor’s Corner column, where Bishop James Conley shares his own mental health journey. Others are channeling their grief from the death of a loved one by suicide into action. In Deacon Ed Shoener’s story, he speaks of how his daughter’s death led him to start a Catholic mental health ministry that supports dioceses across the country. In Wisconsin, fears that a loved one could develop a mental health issue led one woman to band with other community members to bring awareness to mental health resources in their area.

I know this issue will hit home for many of you, whether that be due to a loved one’s mental health diagnosis or your own. We
pray this issue will bring you courage and hope. May you recognize that you are not alone. The Church is here for you. CRL is here for you. Most importantly, Christ is here for you. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deut 31:8).