"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28
Mental Health as a Continuum
We acknowledge that mental and emotional wellness are subject to both internal and external circumstances, with countless experiences of well-being along a continuum between the extreme ends of healthiness and unhealthiness. Depending on your circumstance at any given time, you may find yourself at one point on the continuum and shift position as your situation improves or declines.
I'M FEELING BLAH I'M IN CRISIS NOW Education
It's OK to Not Be OK
But you don't have to stay "not OK."
Take steps toward making your mental wholeness a priority. Consider starting with Mental Health Reset 2022: Striving for Stability from US New & World Report.
If you think you might benefit from some additional help, we're here for you. Email Karen confidentially at . Keep reading below for links to resources curated by our Caring Ministry Team.
Mental Health and Faith
UMC Social Principles statement on Mental Health
Faith & Facts: Health and Wholeness (from UMC Church and Society)
FUMCR Stephen Ministry
A Stephen Minister can provide one-to-one confidential Christian caregiving as you process your feelings and move forward. Email if you have questions or would like to consider requesting a Stephen Minister.
Mental Health Resources
Mental Wellness Resources from the North Texas Conference of the UMC - general resources, children & youth, housing, LGBTQ+, providers/support groups, screening tools, seasonal influences, and phone numbers
The Grant Halliburton Foundation offer resources including articles, short video lessons for youth (coping with stress, supporting peers, mindfulness) and adults (recognizing mental health crisis, talking to teens, cabin fever, stress), pandemic-related information, and a mental health help line (972.525.8181, Monday - Friday, 10 am - 6 pm) as well as Here for Texas, a program that connects Texans to information and resources for mental health and addiction, and Ten Things Parents Can Do to Prevent Suicide.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
• Risk Factors and Warning Signs - Talk, Behavior, Mood.
• How to Save a Life - Know what to look for. Know what to do. Know where to get help.
ACE - Ask. Care. Embrace. Identify Risk. Prevent Suicide. (Columbia Lighthouse Project)
Now Matters Now - Online skills training videos to help teach emotional regulation
Self-harm and Suicide Prevention
We believe God is all knowing and loves unconditionally. God cares about you, does not judge you based on your mental health, does not condemn you because of your illness or suicidal thoughts/attempts. God knows your suffering and your pain and walks with you on your journey through this darkness, even if you can’t feel God’s presence.
If you are considering suicide or harming yourself, please use any of the contacts listed below right away.
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255) or TTY 1.800.799.4889. 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.
• Visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org .
• Text HOME to 741741 in the US to reach the Crisis Text Line, a free, confidential resource available 24/7. A trained crisis counselor will respond to you with support and information.
Support Following Suicide Loss
We want to walk alongside you.
• N TX Survivors of Suicide Loss Facebook Group
• Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group on-going, open group meets monthly and responds with individual assistance as needs arise. A short-term, closed group forms each semester. Contact: Terri Hartman (terri1913@gmail.com / 214.797.3511).
Mental Health First Aid Training - online resource • Watch the recordings of training here
National Alliance of Mental Illness
Grant Halliburton Mental Health Education Programs
Talk Saves Lives community-based presentation covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight suicide. Attendees will learn the risk and warning signs of suicide, and how together, we can help prevent it. Presenter: Terri Hartman (terri1913@gmail.com / 214.797.3511).
Caring Ministry This Week