Overcoming the Stigma of Mental Illness

Over centuries, there was no way that someone who committed suicide could receive a Catholic burial. It was a “sinful death,” but it was not understood yet that it is the consequence of an illness – not lack of willpower or discipline. Today, science knows more about how people develop suicidal thoughts and how our mental health affects our whole well-being. Still, treatment is not entirely seen as equal to any other medical care. 

Since the Church could be tempted to “keep praying” and “have more faith,” the bishops of the United States felt the need to address this topic with information and resources, providing an analysis with actual data on why we should take it seriously.

Here are excerpts of the USCCB statement on why Mental Health matters, taken from remarks of Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, to the Plenary Assembly of Bishops in Baltimore, MD, November 15, 2023:

“Our nation faces a dire mental health crisis. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in five adults live with mental illness. Mental illness is pervasive. Apparently, half of Americans are expected to have some form of mental illness during their lifetime (U.S. Department of Health). And mental health challenges are even more common. Yet they retain a pernicious stigma. They can interfere with individuals seeking treatment and finding an understanding community to support them. A review of data from 144 studies of participants from around the world revealed that the stigma of mental illness remains one of the top barriers to accessing mental health care.

“We are particularly concerned about the mental health state of adolescents. Almost all indicators of poor mental health among high schoolers increased over the past decade. In 2021, 42% of students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, up from 28% a decade earlier. 22% seriously considered attempting suicide, up from 16%, and 18% made a suicide plan, up from 13% (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

“The data further reveals disparate mental health outcomes based on race. It further shows that while boys and girls are suffering deeply, they can face distinct challenges. We’re also troubled by the data indicating a disproportionate number of individuals who identify as LGBTQ face mental health difficulties. We must pay particular attention to these differences in our pastoral work and advocacy efforts. Compounding this issue is the shortage of mental health resources. 

“In 2021, less than half of the adults with a mental illness received mental health services. More than one-third of the U.S. population lives in federally designated mental health professional shortage areas. The psychiatric workforce is projected to diminish through 2024, leading to a nationwide shortage of between roughly 14,000 and 31,000 psychiatrists.

“Even when mental health resources are available, they may not be affordable. In 2021, over a quarter of adults with a mental illness perceived an unmet need for mental health services, and the most common reason for not receiving services was the cost of care. Lack of access to mental health treatment has particularly negative impacts in inner cities where the high level of law enforcement interactions leads to the criminalization of mental health in areas with high concentrations of black and brown people.

“We, as Catholics, can and must respond to this challenge with the hope and compassion of our Lord. Individuals with mental illness and those facing mental health challenges are created in the image and likeness of God. They retain their God-given dignity. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, our message is clear. You are the treasure of the church. Jesus teaches, “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Lk 12:34). To quote Fratelli Tutti, “In the face of so much pain and suffering, our only course is to imitate the Good Samaritan” (no. 67). Through this campaign, we seek to respond to that call and to follow in the compassionate footsteps of Jesus. Our service to our suffering brothers and sisters must be both pastoral and social.

“As Pope Francis wrote, ‘The parable shows us how a community can be rebuilt by men and women who identify with the vulnerability of others, who reject the creation of a society of exclusion and act instead as neighbors, lifting up and rehabilitating the fallen for the sake of the common good.’ Given the challenge, the USCCB’s response is a very modest first step. However, we hope to build on it in the year ahead. To recap, last month, on October 10th, World Mental Health Day, the Committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development and on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth launched the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign with the collaboration and support of a coalition of national Catholic organizations and ministry networks.”

These remarks are not the only initiatives in the Catholic Church. Bishop John Dolan of Phoenix, Arizona, lost three of his family members to suicide. After being installed as bishop, he launched a Mental Health Ministry in his diocese that offers educational resources and accompaniment and raises awareness inside the Church for addressing mental health. 

Several parishes have tapped into the resources an offspring of this ministry offers – the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. It gathers concepts other parishes developed, trains point persons in parishes to become Mental Health Ministers and provides information on how to accompany parishioners. That could include praying with them, keeping companionship and pointing out resources and providers. 

For all this to happen, we must reduce the stigma of mental illness – there is still fear, ignorance and hurtful attitudes that can arise, for example, after the suicide of a parishioner. Resources and awareness that some parishioners might struggle with the news or might judge the family can help to handle these situations better.