Training Module on the Right to Mental Health Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Faith-Based Organizations Faith-Based Organizations • Beingavictimofphysicalorsexualabuse,orrape • Suicidalthoughts Ͳ Suicideisapsychiatricemergency thatwarrantsimmediateattention,themeresuicidal thoughtswarrantimmediatepsychiatricevaluation. • Herearesomesignsandsymptomsthatincreasethe riskofsuicide: • Thebestpredictorofsuicideriskisthepresenceof previoussuicideattempts • Familyhistoryofsuicide • Presenceofpsychiatricproblemssuchasanxiety, depression,andpsychosis • Feelingsofhopelessness,verbalizationofsuicide, presenceofasuicidenote,orpreparationofawill • Availabilityofmeansforsuicide Slide 63 Training Module on the Right to Mental Health Faith-Based Organizations HowtoMakeaReferralforMentalHealthTreatment Partofhelpingindividualmembersandtheirfamilieswithinthe congregationiscommunicatingclearlythereasonsformakingareferral. • Itinvolvesworkingcollaborativelybetweenthepersoninvolved togetherwiththeirlovedones,andthefaithcommunitytheyare affiliatedwithonhowtobestapproachthesituation. • Explainingthedifferencebetweenwhatisaspiritualcrisisanda mentalhealthcrisisisanimportantfacetofthereferral. • Explainingtotheindividualandtheirlovedonesthelevelofdistress anddisability,impairmentinfunctioning,andthepossibilityof dangeraspartofthecriteriaformakingareferraltoamental healthprofessional. Slide 64 Training Module on the Right to Mental Health Faith-Based Organizations • Itisimportanttoprovidereassurancethatthe congregationwillbetogetherwiththemastheytry tomakesenseofeverythingandwillprovidethe necessaryassistanceifneeded. • Preparealistofprofessionalorganizations,support groups,andmentalhealthadvocacygroupswhere thecongregationcanlinkthepersonincrisisand theirfamilies. • Maintainconstantcommunicationwiththeperson andtheirfamily.Providingspiritualguidanceand encouragementcouldshareasenseofcommunity andprovideemotionalsupport. Slide 65 57