Metro District Sights & Sounds

Mental Health and How Churches can Respond

Listen on

Episode notes

A conversation with Becky Yates and Rev. Paul Craig from Matthews United Methodist Church, on how they are responding to mental health in the church through the ministry of "For Minds and Hearts." Take a listen to how they are equipping communities through education, resources and developing mental health toolboxes in the local church context.

May is Mental Health Awareness month. On May 7, 2023 Matthews UMC is presenting "Depression: Out of the Darkness and Into the Light" featuring Dr. Daniel Hale, psychologist at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Hale will share personal and professional insights on the intersection of the faith community and mental health. Dr. Hale and his colleagues have developed a program called the Congregational Depression Awareness Program for utilization by faith communities. Dr. Hale will speak at the 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., services followed by a free lunch (registration required) and another presentation by Dr. Hale.

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 21% of Americans (52.6 million people) experienced a mental illness in 2020; however, less than half of them received treatment. A 2022 CDC report showed that 37% of high school students reported experiencing poor mental health, 44.2% reported feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and 19.9% reported seriously considering suicide. Mental Health America's research shows that North Carolina ranks 39th in access to mental health care.

Resources NationWide Suicide and Crisis number - 988

National Alliance of Mental Illness - NAOMI Program: "In Our Own Voice"