• MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY

  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. Another resource is to go to www.madisondiocese.org/mentalhealth. You can always reach out to one of the members of our pastorate mental health team: Kathy Bartels, Ann Boyle, Denise Dixon, Bill Manthe and Gail Steiner.
  
  Also, if you see that a family member, friend or co-worker may be struggling, don't turn away. Instead do these three things: Look, Listen and Link. LOOK means that we physically approach the person and acknowledge that we see that they may be having difficulty. As they begin to share what's going on we LISTEN with our ears, eyes and heart. We don't interrupt what they have to say, try to change their mind by arguing, or minimize their experience. Rather, we listen to seek understanding and to express our compassion and concern. Finally, we LINK the person to resources that may be helpful. It may be a crisis line, website or the name of a professional. It may also be praying with and for them. As Christians, we are called to care for the whole person, body, mind and spirit.

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• 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

•  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/

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  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
  

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  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 

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• Spiritual Support Group meets 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].
  

  
  

• 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.

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  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. 

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• Mental Health Advocates

  Our pastorate has developed a team of Mental Health Advocates, consisting of Gail Steiner, Kathy Bartels, Ann Boyle, Denise Dixon and Bill Manthe. Be sure to communicate to one of us your thoughts on a topic for a workshop at our pastorate. Look forward to a mental health and faith support group beginning in the coming months. 

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  Bill Manthe is the Mental Health Advocate contact for our pastorate. He can be reached at St. Clement Church, 723-4990.

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