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.

 

Do You Need to Speak With Someone?
Please do not hesitate to contact the parish to be connected with Deacon Dave or Karen.

Main Parish Office: 804-527-1037
Deacon Dave Nemetz | Pastoral Associate: 804-527-1037 ext. 119 | Email here
Karen Rice, LCSW: Email here

If you are interested in counseling, but wish to do so with a community-based provider, consider the following options.
Both community resources are for non-emergency needs.


VA C.O.P.E.S.
vacopes.com
Call | Text: 877-349-6428
Crisis Counselors are available to take calls during the following hours:

• Monday - Friday | 9 AM - 9 PM
• Satuday - Sunday | 5 PM - 9 PM

*Spanish-speaking counselors are available.

VA C.O.P.E.S. stands for compassionate, optimistic, person-centered, empowering support.
They are available to all Virginia residents who may be struggling to cope with the effects and circumstances, such as isolation, fear, grief, and anxiety around the pandemic. VA C.O.P.E.S. counselors are prepared to refer and provide additional information for callers, but they should not be used an emergency or suicide hotline. 


Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) | Counseling Services
cccofva.org
Call: 804-545-5907
Individual, Family, and Community Couseling provided.
Counseling sessions are conducted in a safe, private, comfortable, and supportive environment.  

CCC's licensed therapists provide professional , confidential couseling to individuals, children, couples, and famlies who need help coping with stress, marital problems, anxiety, and depression. They serve many vulnerable and underserved individuals and are ofteen the voice for children experiencing post-traumatic stress.  CCC provides different payment options (on a sliding scale) and accepts most major insurances.
 

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)

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

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
 

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)

Senior 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
 

Find comfort in The Word.
May these scripture verses ease your mind and bring peace to your heart.

"Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

"When cares increase within me, your comfort gives me joy." (Psalm 94:19)

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." (John 14:27)

"Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God.  I will strengthen you.  I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the Lord— plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.  When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you." (Jeremiah 29:11-12)

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.  And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

"May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  The Lord be with all of you." (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

"Can any of you by worrying add a moment to your lifespan?" (Luke 12.25)

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)