If you are having an emotional crisis and are considering serious harm to yourself or others, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 812-273-8255. 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.
Start Local
Every church should form a network of local psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and social workers who have various specialties. Refer people to them for professional mental health care and emotional support, and consider using them as a resource for yourself and your staff. Paying for an hour of their time could net you a wealth of information about how you can support people who are living with various forms of mental health problems.
This organization is a multi-faceted, Christ-centered resource for people with mental illness and their families. The focus is on recovery and living well with a mental health challenge. They provide support groups for people with mental illness and their families, coaching for people who are working toward recovery from a mental health crisis, and training for leaders.
This organization was founded by Pastor Brad Hoefs, who lives with bipolar disorder. He understands both the challenges of ministry and the difficulty of living with serious mental illness. This is a Christ-centered support group ministry that equips churches to establish peer support for people who have mental illness and their loved ones.
Grace for the Afflicted: A Clinical and Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness
This book by Dr. Matthew Stanford (Biblica Publishing, 2008), a neuroscientist, a researcher, and a leader with a passion for seeing the church do great ministry among people affected by mental illness, presents detailed information about various types of disorders, with biblical perspective on each.
Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church’s Mission
This is a book by Amy Simpson (InterVarsity Press, 2013), who grew up in a family profoundly affected by schizophrenia. It contains stories of individuals and families touched by mental illness, helps readers understand some of the challenges they face, and calls the church to fulfill its mission and extend Christ’s love specifically to people who live with mental illness and often feel marginalized and rejected
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
America’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness,” NAMI provides information, advocacy, support groups, referrals, and more. While not a faith-based organization, NAMI exists in part to provide the kind of support churches and their leaders need.
National Institute of Mental Health
This federal government agency’s site is packed with information about mental health and specific mental disorders, mental health research, and links to more resources.
This program trains people to act as effective first responders in mental health crises. Why not have at least one trained staff person in your church?
Mindsrenewed.org
Website dedicated to helping clergy and church leaders join the mental health ministry movement and providing the best available resources throughout the United States.
Advocates for People with Mental Illnesses (Facebook Page)
Group formed with purpose of developing ideas and strategies to raise awareness, educate others, and erase stigma. Goal is to join mental health advocates together and make the mental health system better.
Delight in Disorder: Ministry, Madness, Mission by Tony Roberts.
Book & blog. Tony Robert’s personal story of battling bipolar while serving in ministry.