Building a Global Network for Mental Health Support in the Church
The story of Ed Shoener's journey after his daughter's suicide led to a worldwide mental health ministry initiative.
Ed Shoener, a permanent deacon, found himself on a profound journey after experiencing the loss of his daughter, Katie, to suicide in 2016. Katie, who battled bipolar disorder, tragically lost her fight against mental illness. Following her death, Ed wrote her obituary, which unexpectedly resonated with many, sparking a conversation about mental health within the Church.
A Call for Change
Ed was astonished by the feedback he received; his eulogy reached tens of thousands worldwide. People emphasized the Church's need for a stronger response to mental health issues. This prompted Ed to collaborate with others who shared his vision, leading to the formation of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers.
Global Reach and Purpose
Since its inception, nearly 9,000 members from over 70 countries have joined this organization. Its mission is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by fostering compassion and understanding. The association provides various resources to educate individuals and empower them to offer support within their communities.
Ed reflects on the Church’s traditional role in addressing mental health, pointing out that Christ likely ministered to those struggling with mental illness. He believes that while the Church has a historical presence in this area, the current initiative emphasizes a more open and contemporary approach to the challenges faced today.
New Initiatives
This October, the Association convened in Rome to coincide with the Pope's worldwide prayer intention. During this gathering, two new courses were announced: one focused on comprehensive mental health training and the other offering “first aid” in mental health. Both courses are free and accessible online, demonstrating the commitment to education in this crucial field.
A Vision for the Future
Ed's aspiration is for the Church to be a refuge for those grappling with mental health issues. He envisions a future where individuals facing challenges in mental health consider the Church their first line of support. He believes this would create a positive and nurturing environment for healing.
While Ed acknowledges that progress is needed, he recognizes the strides made in awareness, particularly in the United States. With numerous initiatives underway, particularly from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, mental health awareness is becoming increasingly prominent. A national campaign that includes prayer and a Novena dedicated to various mental health challenges serves to deepen this commitment.
Through the collective efforts of organizations and the Church, awareness and support for mental health are steadily growing worldwide. The steps being taken today inspire hope for a brighter, more supportive future for those battling mental health challenges.
