Session 3: Mental Illness
The Sanctuary Course for Catholics • 20m
Have you ever wondered whether poor mental health is a sign of weak faith, or wanted to hear the Church’s position on medication? In this film you will meet Hillary, who lives with depression and has experienced postpartum depression—a serious mood disorder that can occur during or after pregnancy and should not be confused with the milder feelings of unhappiness that typically resolve within a few weeks of the birth. Hillary shares courageously about the challenges of parenting during seasons of darkness, while our experts examine the complexity of mental health and engage with some of the tough questions that Catholics ask when faced with mental illness.
(This film references suicidal thoughts.)
Learn more about this course and Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries at www.sanctuarymentalhealth.org/catholics/
More resources related to this course, including transcripts and promotional materials, can be found here.
Warning: This course and films address difficult and sensitive topics, and may not be appropriate for a young audience. Parental guidance is advised.
This film captures the experiences of individuals in their own words; the views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not always represent the views of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, FORMED, or the Augustine Institute.
Up Next in The Sanctuary Course for Catholics
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Session 4: Stigma
Stigma is often misunderstood or neglected in discussions about mental health, yet a majority of those living with mental health problems report experiencing it in one form or another. In this film you will meet Simone, who lives with schizophrenia—a complex biochemical brain disorder that can im...
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Session 5: Recovery
In our parishes, practices such as praying for the sick and holding healing Masses serve as a reflection of the belief that God can bring about physical restoration. In addition, the sacrament of Anointing the Sick also mediates healing. However, for many people living with mental health problems...
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Session 6: Companionship
You don’t need to be a counselor or a psychologist in order to support and accompany those living with mental health problems. In this film you will meet Lisa, who lives with bipolar 2 disorder and has experienced episodes of psychosis—a temporary loss of contact with reality due to hallucination...
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