The words "salvation" and "healing" come from the same Greek word for "wholeness." As Christians, our concern about salvation is a concern for the well-being of the whole person, body and soul.
Mental health is an important part of that wholeness. It is also one of the most misunderstood, confusing, and anxiety provoking topics. In our care for the well-being of the whole person, we are providing this page as a resource for people to lean more about mental health, its connection with faith, resources for more understanding, and services for those in need.
We recommend this sermon by one of our parishioenrs, Dr. Gail Reilly, who preached at our celebration of health care professionals on October 22, 2017:
Mental Health First Aid for Adults Assisting Teens
July 24 & 26, 2018 / 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
St. Peter's Parish Hall
Many youth today cope with depression, anxiety, and addiction issues – even in our congregations. Death by suicide is a growing risk. It does not matter how healthy one’s family is or how involved one is at church. The biological component of mental illness means it knows no boundaries. This leaves us as adults who serve with teens feeling confused and powerless.
Mental Health Training for Adults assisting Teens give us the information and skills we need to provide “mental CPR” when a problem arises and to know where to turn for help and other resources. We invite you to join us for this training at St. Peter’s, Freehold so that we can be better resources and beacons of hope for teens in our congregations and communities
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
This course is offerred by the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County.
Register here to attend the training:
Seating is limited, so register early!