Call 911 IMMEDIATELY if you or someone you know needs help
MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY
October is Depression Awareness Month You can reach our mental health team at: [email protected], or by texting or calling 563-341- 7004. Our team members are Kathy Bartels, Ann Boyle, Denise Dixon, Bill Manthe and Gail Steiner. For resources go to: www.madisondiocese.org/mentalhealth. •We have been discussing the possibility of starting an in-person mental health spiritual support group. Please see the survey on this page. •Pope Leo's Monthly Intention for October is "That mental health ministry may be established throughout the Church, helping toovercome the stigma and discrimination ofpersons with mental illness. We are blessed here in the Diocese of Madison that Bishop Hying also supports the establishment of mental health ministry in all of our parishes. A few reminders: Take any discussion about depression or suicide seriously. As the person speaks, they may not say the word suicide but use other phrases such as, “I can’t handle this anymore. People would be better off without me.” You may need to ask directly, “Are you thinking of suicide, of taking your life?” In doing so know that you are not planting the idea in their mind. If they are thinking about suicide, this thought is already there. What’s important is that by asking the question, you provide an opening for discussion with the person. That in itself can lower the pressure they are feeling.Be sure to stay with them and offer support and resources. Call the Suicide and Crisis Line at 988 with them. You may also need to call 911 for their safety. Your actions can save a life.
HEALING BEGINS WITH COMMUNITY When people hear the phrase “mental health," many often immediately think of mental health disorders ranging from anxiety and depression, to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, most of us do not have a diagnosed mental illness. But all of us experience and cope with mental health every day. On any given day, when we feel stressed and overwhelmed, we may go for a walk, exercise, pray or talk with a friend to ease our mind and relieve the stress. However, there are times that we experience darkness and feel alone and hopeless, with no one to talk to. Taking a walk or exercising doesn't bring relief. When this happens, reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Line at 988.
Get Help!
Using the 988 Lifeline is free. When you call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline, your conversation is confidential. The 988 Lifeline provides you judgment-free care. Talking with someone can help save your life.There is help specifically for farmers. There is more information at https://988lifeline.org/get-help/
Catholic Counselors Available
Do you or someone you know need to see a local Catholic counselor? The Archdiocese of Dubuque's Office of Catholic Charities serves the people of our pastorate and can be contacted at 800-772-2758, or go to: http://www.catholiccharitiesdubque.org
The Upper Room Hotline
Saving lives....giving help, hope and prayer to those in need
The Upper Room Hotline is a faith-based hotline in the Catholic Tradition. God's Love Has A Toll Free Number 1-888-808-8724Catholic Hotline
Mental Wellness Matters!
If you have mental health concerns, challenges, supporting a loved one, or want to find out more, the Diocese of Madison has a wealth of resources and information. Click below. Diocese of Madison Mental Health Resources
A Resource for Those Who Grieve Suicide Loss
Catholic Program for Families
Remember (Families) — Red Bird MinistriesDive deep into understanding grief, especially the unique challenges of suicide loss. You’ll explore your loved ones' struggles, engage with Church teachings, and reflect through prayer on forgiveness. This course will help you connect your grief to the Lord and nurture an ongoing relationship with your departed loved ones.
BEN'S HOPE
We’d also like to make you aware of the great work that Patti & Terry Cullen are doing with their organization, Ben’s Hope. It’s named after their son Ben who died by suicide. They host a survivor’s of suicide support group, a fundraiser coming up soon, and a retreat in the fall. Get more info at: www.bens-hope.org.
Youth Mental Health
Youth carry many hidden burdens and anxieties. These can come from school pressures, wondering about friendships and fitting in, parents and independence, self-worth, new expectations, and more. They may share these with another teen, but rarely do they express these verbally to their parents. Parents should be looking for changes in youth behavior, and when concerned, talk about these concerns with your son/daughter with an open mind and heart, being willing to listen and refrain from judgement. Sanctuary Mental Health Ministry has a course titled Sanctuary Youth Series which address these concerns, and is geared toward youth and parents. It's free, and you can check it out at: www.sanctuarymentalhealth.org/youth
Spiritual Support Groupmeets the 2nd Monday of the month via zoom from 6-7:30PM to discuss some of these issues and shine the light of faith upon them. To join the group or if you have questions, contact Laura Sokop at 608-821- 3053 or [email protected].
When a loved one dies, it can feel like you are alone. Few people understand the thoughts, feelings and the pain you are experiencing. This can lead to isolation, feelings of depression and extreme sadness and sorrow. All of these are normal. Yet, there is support through GriefShare. GriefShare is a 13 session support group for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. A GriefShare session includes an informative video, discussion and sharing. It is said that “grief shared is grief diminished.” Our next GriefShare support group will begin on August 20, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.. We will meet in the St. Clement Parish office meeting room. Pre-registration is encouraged by going to: griefshare.org/findagroup. There you can also find other GriefShare groups in the area (Platteville has one) if our time/dates do not work for you. Contact Marcia Hampton (732-8849) for more information or if you have questions.
Are you grieving the loss of your child? Join other parents for a one-day spiritual retreat. Emmaus Ministry serves the spiritual needs of parents whose children of any age have died by any cause, no matter how long ago.
When a loved one dies, it can feel like you are alone. Few people understand the thoughts, feelings and the pain you are experiencing. This can lead to isolation, feelings of depression and extreme sadness and sorrow. All of these are normal. Yet, there is support through GriefShare. GriefShare is a 13 session support group for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. A GriefShare session includes an informative video, discussion and sharing. It is said that “grief shared is grief diminished.” Our next GriefShare support group will begin on August 20, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.. We will meet in the St. Clement Parish office meeting room. Pre-registration is encouraged by going to: griefshare.org/findagroup. There you can also find other GriefShare groups in the area (Platteville has one) if our time/dates do not work for you. Contact Marcia Hampton (732-8849) for more information or if you have questions.