Mental illness sufferers: You're not alone

Published: May 14, 2026

"No matter what you're going through, no matter what you're suffering, in Christ there is always hope. You are NEVER alone." — Bishop Keith Chylinski

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, you are not alone. According to the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD), a mental illness is a "disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines. One in four families will at some time have to cope with mental illness and its effects on a loved one and the family unit." | Warning Signs

"The stigma attached to mental illness forces many to hide the severity of their symptoms or those of a loved one," the NCPD explained. "Many stop coming to church due to the stigma. Stigma is the single greatest barrier to people getting effective treatment."

Fighting this negative perception is a major goal of Mental Health Awareness Month, which is observed in May. "Leaders of a parish, diocese or other Catholic organizations can fight the stigma by learning the signs of mental illness and reaching out to those living with the illness," the NCPD wrote in its "Pastoral Response to Mental Illness: Resources for the Catholic Community."

The National Alliance on Mental Illness and Arkansas Crisis Center also seek to overcome this challenge. "Be honest about treatment," advised the Arkansas Crisis Center in its list of ways to fight the stigma. "Do not be ashamed of saying that you see a therapist or a psychiatrist. There is no judgment in saying that you have an appointment with your primary care doctor; why should mental health appointments be any different?"

The National Catholic Mental Health Campaign is a year-round initiative of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to encourage all people of good will to respond to the ongoing mental health crisis across the United States. Its “Healing and Hope” program offers resources, reflections, a novena, opportunities for dialogue and Mental Health Sunday, a day for parishes to observe on the Sunday following World Mental Health Day each October.

Catholic Charities USA offers "Whole Hearted," a free, parish-based program focused on the impact life’s painful experiences have on mental health as a resource for Mental Health Sunday.

The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers aims to bring a mental health ministry to every Catholic parish worldwide. It offers ongoing training, resources, list of Catholic professional organizations and support to parish leaders. Part of its prayer resources include saints who suffered from mental illness, prayer cards and a prayer ministry that has partnered with the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network and Click to Pray to devote the second Monday of each month to pray for mental health.

One of the saints who may be helpful is St. Dymphna, patron saint of those with mental illness or nervous or emotional disorders. Her feast day is May 15. The NCPD offers prayer cards for her. Learn more about this saint from the website of a national shrine dedicated to her in Ohio. Arkansas Catholic wrote about her and other saints and referenced Scriptures that offer comfort for those with "an anxious heart." Another article offers coping skills for anxiety and depression.

The NCPD Council on Mental Illness also offers "10 Facts Parish Leaders Should Know About Mental Illness;" prayers of the faithful; and "Welcomed and Valued: Building Faith Communities of Support and Hope with People with Mental Illness and their Families," a study manual and DVD program. For those struggling consider this meditation: "Each Day I will Recall that I am a Child of God."

Prayer for Those Suffering Mental Illness

The following prayer is courtesy the Catholic Health Association of the United States.