SPIRITUALITY & MENTAL ILLNESS: TOOLS FOR RECOVERY Scott Rose, President/CEO Way Station, Inc. Al Rose, Retired Permanent Deacon Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore

CHALLENGES Some approaches to religion can exacerbate symptoms of mental illness Evangelization efforts of some faith communities may not be sensitive to the vulnerability of people with serious mental illness Stigma and lack of understanding about mental illness Lack of clarity about the difference between spiritual support and professional clinical care Quiet and rigid structure of many worship settings may not be conducive to disruptive behaviors

BENEFITS Whole-person Recovery Illness Management / Coping Strategies Community Integration Stigma Reduction

WAY STATION’S SPIRITUALITY PROJECTS Spirituality groups in psychosocial rehabilitation day program Supported participation in local faith communities Presentations at faith communities by clients, staff and family members Manuscript of stories and reflections by client, staff and family member

ADAPTION OF ILLNESS MANAGEMENT AND RECOVERY Learn to manage symptoms vs try to eliminate or reduce Examples

ADAPTION OF SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT Sole Eligibility Criteria: Expressed Desire to Participate Placement Development 1) Education for Faith Communities – APA Mental Health Guide for Faith Leaders Create Open and Inclusive Environment Distinguish Between Spiritual Problems / Mental Illness and Spiritual Support / Clinical Care Educate Congregation Through Sermons and Lectures Have Good Referral Information http://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/cultural-competency/faith- community-partnership

2) Presentation at Faith Communities by Individuals with Mental Illness, Staff and Family Members Example for Christian Church: Fifteen Steps Out of Darkness: The Way of the Cross for People on the Journey of Mental Illness http://www.orbisbooks.com/ Follow-along Support