Mental Illness

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about one in four adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. And serious mental illness affects 6 percent of the population, or 1 in 17 adults. What does it mean to pastor people through this challenging, often highly stigmatized, disease? This 22-page resource offers wisdom from those who have walked the path and tips on how to minister to the mentally ill. Table of Contents: Destigmatizing Mental Illness How does your church think about and minister to those suffering from mental illness? Amy Simpson Creating a Culture of Openness Ways your church can help the mentally ill. Amy Simpson Members on Meds (free sample) Pastoring people on medication for mental illness. Elliott Anderson Probing Questions Necessary questions to ask when counseling someone with mental illness. Elliott Anderson Bipolar Priest Reflections on mental illness from a pastor who lives it. Jerry DiSpigno Principles of Ministry to the Depressed Serve the depressed by following these strategies and knowing your limitations. Rod J.K. Wilson Visitation Checklist How to conduct a visit that helps and encourages. Katherine Greene-McCreight Making Effective Referrals Answering three common questions. Randy Christian When to Refer A checklist for what situations require referral. Roger Heuser and Samuel Southard