MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION & AWARENESS
“King of Kings’ Mental Health Ministry seeks to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness
through education and awareness, and to provide support and resources to those whose lives
are touched by it.”
Our Ministry
1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in their lifetime; we are called to walk together as the body of Christ with our brothers and sisters, bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). It is through my own experience with anxiety disorder and having people walk with me on this journey that my passion for this was sparked. I pray that this ministry can be a caring resource for those who need to know they are not alone.
As a ministry we will be supporting local chapters of mental health groups (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Health, etc), we will host mental health awareness month for the church in May, provide mental health first aid training opportunities and other educational programming throughout the year.
If you are interested in helping me shape and support this important ministry or are just curious and would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or at ext. 225 in the church office.
Peace of Christ, Deacon Alyssa
Mental Health Library
The Mental Health team is starting and growing a Mental Health section in our church’s library! We currently have the following titles available for check-out:
Blessed are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence about Mental Health, Family, and Church by Sarah Griffith Lund. In this book, Lund looks back at her father’s battle with bipolar disorder, and the helpless sense of déjà vu as her brother and cousin endure mental illness, as well.
Christ on the Psych Ward by David Fineegan-Hosey. This book is a series of reflections on the intersections among mental health, faith, and ministry. Beginning with his own experience, Finnegan- Hosey shares ways communities of faith can be present with those suffering from mental illness and crises. Weaving together personal testimony, theological reflection, and practical ministry experience, he offers a message of hope for those suffering and for friends and faith communities struggling to care for them.
Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church’s Mission by Amy Simpson. Simpson’s family knows the trauma and bewilderment of mental illness, and reminds us that people with mental illness are our neighbors and our brothers and sisters in Christ, and she shows us the path to loving them well and becoming a church that loves God with whole hearts and whole souls, with the strength we have and with minds that are whole as well as minds that are troubled.
ELCA Social Statement Regarding Mental Illness
Check out the this powerpoint for a discussion on the ELCA’s Social Statement regarding Mental Illness and what it means to walk with our siblings in Christ who have mental illnesses. This is a great introduction to our discussion on mental health!
Mental Health Resources
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Veterans Crisis Line: Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Looking for a Counselor: If you are interested in finding a mental health counselor for you or a loved one check out the sites listed below. Also, keep in mind, as of 2014 most individual and small group health insurance plans, including plans sold on the market place, are required to cover mental health and substance use disorder services.
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
Pastoral Counseling of Northern Virginia: http://www.pastoralcounselingnv.com/
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): "NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness." This website offers tons of resources, including programming, on different mental illnesses as well as ways to become involved in your community.
Domestic Violence Resources:
Every year, more than 10 million Americans experience domestic violence. Already, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is getting reports of abusers using the coronavirus as an opportunity to harm domestic partners. Some survivors are not going to shelters or the hospital when needed out of fear of getting the virus. Others are leaving shelters altogether for the same reason.
To help, some organizations recommend survivors create a safety plan, practice self-care, and reach out for help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233. If you're unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
National Domestic Violence Hotline Information on Staying Safe During COVID-19
Original reporting done by TheSkimm.
Confidentiality Statement
Recognizing that it can be very difficult to seek information or support for any mental health concern, the Mental Health Ministry team at King of Kings Lutheran Church assures that any such requests will be held within the highest confidentiality standards. This means that your request will not be shared with anyone else, including your healthcare provider, without your written consent. Resources provided for you will be from publicly available sources and do not represent a substitute for medical treatment or professional counseling for your concern, if that need is warranted.
There are certain exceptions to confidentiality, including the following:
A stated or observable risk to self or others, including property or the community
A stated or observable risk of currently occurring harm (abuse) directed towards any individual, including, but not limited to: a child, partner, spouse, elder, or individual with a disability
Fairfax County has systems in place to provide for care for individuals who need involuntary mental health care, and if members of the Ministry Team determine such care is needed to prevent potential harm to self or others, those resources may be contacted for the protection of the individuals involved. A court order, issued by a judge, may be involved with such protections.