depression

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia highlights the nation’s growing mental health crisis, while pointing to the “divine medicine” offered by Christ through the work of the Church.

In the nation’s capital — where stress, anxiety and mental health challenges sometimes impact the lives and work of those in government service, in legal and other professions, and individuals and families — St. Joseph Church on Capitol Hill hosted a “Come as You Are” Holy Week Prayer Service for Mental Health.

Between 2009 and 2019, the rate of adolescent depression nearly doubled, increasing from 8.1% to 15.8%, according to a 2021 analysis of National Survey on Drug User and Health studies during that decade.

There’s so much suffering in this world right now, so much sorrow. It’s up to us to decide how we might give our heart during Advent. We may need a plan.

Beyond the mental health crisis numbers in our country are real people, and a hopefully changing attitude toward mental health issues.

For Bishop John P. Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix, his mental health ministry expertise has come at a terrible personal price — which is why he has also become one of the most outspoken American prelates on the necessity of spiritual accompaniment for those suffering from mental illness.

Art therapy is especially effective in working with patients who have been so traumatized that they don’t have the words to express their concerns.

There are many different experiences of brokenness that can be a doorway to conversion, including addiction, trauma, depression and facing one’s death.