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Mental Health Support Group
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The Mental Health Support Group provides education and support for many different mental health areas, including anxiety, depression, stress, family relationships, dementia, or any other needed topics. Support is also provided at the end of each meeting, through discussion and questions. The group is not therapy, but it provides education and support!
How can you get involved?
Those in need of support or education in the mental health and wellness area are invited to come to the Mental Health Support Group meetings, which provide help and fellowship for those who need it most.
If you are in need of support or have individual questions or needs, please reach out to Karen!
Karen Rice, LCSW: Email here
"Come to me,
all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy and my burden light."
(Matthew 11:28-30)
Prolonged stress and labor—mental, physical, and/or spiritual laboring—can bring anyone to feel burdened and exhausted. We hope that the resources on this page will provide you with the appropriate community support when you need it most.
Whether you read some selected scripture verses to get your day started in the right direction or you need professional services to survive the moment, we are here for you. -
Karen Rice Video Series
Karen Rice took some time to sit down and talk more in detail about five different topics, which are impacting our society, including: Missing Mass and Fellowship, Seniors and Loved Ones in Nursing Homes, Supporting Teens and Children during Difficult Times, and Maintaining Healthy Relationships and Wellness. The videos are short but informative and easy to watch when you have a few minutes!
Watch the rest of the series here!
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Mental Wellness Night
On September 9, St. Michael Parish held a Facebook Live Event dedicated to mental wellness, Mental Wellness Night: An Open Conversation on Hope During These Trying Times, with Deacon Dave and Special Guest Parishioner Karen Rice, LCSW.
Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, lonely, or just struggling in these trying times?
Are you looking for spiritual guidance or want to address your mental health concerns?
We invite you to watch the recording and be part of this timely discussion about finding hope in difficult times through faith and practical steps.
Also, below is a collection of frequently asked questions regarding mental wellness during the pandemic.
Mental Wellness FAQ
About Special Guest Karen Rice
Karen Rice is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her clinical work covers 33 years of offering individual and family therapy, in settings such as private practice, alternative schools, and group homes. She is currently the Clinical Director of the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls. Karen lives with her husband Jeff and enjoys time with her adult children, Hannah and Mary Meghan. Prior to the pandemic, Karen facilitated the Mental Health Education and Support Group here at the parish for about six months. She is interested in reaching out to her friends and fellow parishioners through this virtual event to offer guidance, support, and encouragement for attention to our mental health, especially during these trying times.
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Suicide Prevention
Suicide
Suicide in the Catholic Church has a difficult history. Understanding the complexeties and difficulties of those faced with suicidal thoughts is the key to new beginnings. We are not condemned. The Church has grown in her knowledge and felt with mercy the pain and immense pysical, mental, and spiritual torment faced by those contemplating their life's worth.
Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide. (CCC2282)
YOU do not need to face this contemplation alone.
Reach out.
Talk to someone.
Reconnect and ASK for HELP.
If you or someone you know is in an emergency,
please call 911 immediately.
If you are in crisis or experiencing difficult or suicidal ideations,
please call 800-273-TALK (8255),
the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Helpful Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Call: 800-273-TALK (8255)
Chat Online: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
National Awareness on Mental Illness (NAMI) Crisis Resources
nami.org
Crisis Text Line: text NAMI to 741-741
(If you are feeling uncomfortable talking on the phone, NAMI's Crisis Text Line will connect you to a free, trained crisis counselor.)
September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
Learn More: nami.org
Life Teen Blog
Read: Let's Talk About Suicide -
Recommended Readings & Videoson Mental Health
Books
The Catholic Guide to Depression
Aaron Kheriaty, MD with Fr. John Cihak, STD (Sophia Institute Press)
Videos
13 Reasons Why You Matter
Noelle Garcia (FORMED)
Watch: 13 Reasons Why You Matter
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Other Helpful Resources
Life can be overwhelming for many reasons.
The following resources can provide you with additional assistance in your time of need.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul | St. Michael Parish
svdp-rva.org
SVdP Assistance Line: 804-527-1037 ext. 131
Services: Financial Assistance; Food Pantry
Central Virginia Legal Aid Society
cvlas.org
Call: 804-648-1012
Services: Free Legal Services (Civil Cases | Low-Income Invidividuals)
Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC)
cccofva.org
Call: 804-285-5900
Services: Behavioral Health & Disability Services; Children's Services; Income & Asset-Building Services; Supprotive Housing & Homeless Services; Resettlement & Immigration Services
Daily Planet
dailyplanetva.org
Call: 804-783-2505
Services: Health Services (accessible, comprehensive, and integrated | available to anyone regardless of housing, financial, citizenship, or insurance status)
Henrico County Social Services
henrico.us/dss/
Call (West End): 804-501-4091
Services: Financial Assistance; Social Services Programs (Individuals & Families)
Homeless Crisis Line
endhomelessnessrva.org
Call: 804-972-0813
Services: Help for those experiencing homelessness or losing housing in three days
Human Kind Financial Opportunity Center & Ways to Work
humankind.org
Call: 804-888-8226
Services: Nonprofit Human Services (Individuals & Families)
Our Lady of Lourdes Food Pantry
ollrichva.org
Call: 804-262-7315 ext. 228
Services: Available to residents of local zip codes (By Appointment)
Recovery Centers of America
recoverycentersofamerica.com/telehealth
Call: 844-258-8299
Services: Addiction treatment resources (blogs/articles) and telehealth treatment for addiction, mental health, and eating disordersSenior Connections
seniorconnections-va.org
Call: 804-343-3000
Services: Direct Services; Information & Referral, Education & Advocacy; Caregivers & Individuals with Disabilities
The Housing Resource Line (HRL)
pharva.com/housing-hotline/
Call: 804-422-5061
Services: Financial Assistance; Financial Education; Homebuyer Education; Emergency Assistance; Foreclosure Prevention; Legal Support; Locating Rental Options; Rehabs & Repairs; Ramps
(The HRL is not intended to serve residents who are currently experiencing homelessness or are in danger of homelessness. This includes, but is not limited to, residents seeking emergency shelter.)
Virginia Supportive Housing
virginiasupportivehousing.org
Call: 804-788-6825
Services: Affordable Housing; Case Management; Counseling & Skills Training
Printer-Friendly List of Resources in the Greater Richmond Area
Greater Richmond Regional Street Sheet