Family history of suicide
Feelings of hopelessness, verbalization of suicide, presence of a
suicide note, or preparation of a will
Availability of means for suicide
• How to make a referral for mental health treatment
- Part of helping individual members and their families within the
congregation is communicating clearly the reasons for makinga referral:
Work collaboratively with the person involved, together with their
loved ones and the faith community they are currently affiliated with
on how to best approach the situation. This harnesses a sense of
support coming from the faith community.
Explain the difference between a spiritual crisis and a mental health
crisis, which is an important facet of the referral. There’s a need to
distinguish between who needs spiritual counseling and guidance
from the faith leader and who warrants attention of a mental health
professional.
Explain to the individual and their loved ones the level of distress and
disability, impairment in functioning, and possibility of danger as part
of the criteria for making a referral to a mental health professional.
- It is important to provide reassurance that the congregation will be
together with them as they try to make sense of everything and will
provide the necessary assistance if needed.
Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Faith-Based Organizations
Presence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety, depression, and
psychosis
- It is important to have a list of professional organizations, support
groups, and mental health advocacy groups where the congregation can
link with the person and their families. Having an established connection
between these groups could also help in facilitating the referral.
- It is important to maintain constant communication with the person and
their family. Providing spiritual guidance and encouragement could give
a sense of community and provide the needed emotional support. Faith
communities are in the best position to help their individual members
be re-integrated back into society.
Dealing with Resistance in Accepting Mental Health Treatment
• Resistance to treatment stems from so many factors such as religious and
spiritual beliefs, cultural beliefs, and acceptance within the community.
Moreover, it could also mean that the individual has a hard time
acknowledging that there is or are problem/s affecting their current mental
state.
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