Tanya
Forum Replies Created
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Shelby, having the opportunity to discuss mental health topics from the pulpit is a blessing. A Mental Health Ministry is just like any other initiative or program, it should flow from the top down. Having pastoral input, support, and commitment is important. I agree that weaving mental health topics into your sermons will go a long way in breaking stigma and misconceptions.
Unfortunately, in many minority communities there are many misconceptions and stigmas surrounding mental health. A lot of that comes from a lack of knowledge or resources available within those communities. Being able to facilitate those open and honest conversations will be the start of change within your community and circle of influence. Or at the very least, begin to form cracks in the belief that mental illness is a sign of personal weakness, sin, or lack of faith.
Thank you for taking the first step in bridging the gap in the mental health community. I look forward to reading your success stories and the impact your ministry is having in your community.
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These are some great mental health myths vs the mental health facts. How do you plan on educating those around you with this information? Having the facts is a great start but would you share this information through a campaign, social media posts, or mental health ministry events?
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Gabby thank you for sharing. Griefshare is a wonderful program. In my own experience with grief, I have learned that “time heals all wounds” is a lie. Especially when it comes to grief, grief comes in waves, sudden moments, and out of the blue. Having the right tools to navigate this pain is key to a persons healing journey. While the pain or grief will never fully go away, you can learn to process the emotions and handle those bouts of grief in a healthy manner. As you stated, grief can lead to other mental health struggles. It is important to identify them and compassionately refer them to trusted providers for additional services or treatment. Thank you for taking the step to become a mental health coach. I look forward to hearing how your ministry impacts your community around you.
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Cora, I love that you are associated with sure a great organization that is working to fill the gap in the community. Being able to educate yourself to identify the unspoken language of mental health distress, understanding, that many times clients will communicate the symptoms of the mental health distress and not the mental health distress itself, and then having a referral networks of vetted and qualified professionals that can facility the transfer of care is so beneficial for the client. I think the referral process is one of the most crucial parts of our job as a Mental Health Coach. It is at this point that you have an individual in need, who has opened up and been vulnerable enough to share their need with you, so we have to make sure that we have quality referrals to provide. That referral experience will set the tone for continued success in their mental health journey or a complete breakdown of continued care. Follow up is very important. I think it also helps put the individual at ease and helps them feel supported in the process. Thank you again for your work as a Mental Health Coach. If you need additional resources or would like to check out the providers available on the GTHU website, you can find them at:
https://gatewaytohopeuniversity.org/wellness-and-brain-health/
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Explore our Wellness and Brain Health providers to support your journey toward healthier brain habits, improved mental and behavioral health, and overall well-being.
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Janine, I love your plan of providing a safe place and open dialogue as means to end stigma. You can try to end stigma with facts and figures but the power of real testimonies is far more effective than any fact you can throw at people. Showing them that mental health effects us all and that there is a safe place for them to seek help, is the best method to break stigma you have available. Providing compassion, grace, and empathy will make individuals more receptive to receiving help, resources, and referrals. Thank you for taking the first step in bridging the gap in the mental health community.
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Sally, it is sad how closed off people are when it comes to mental health distress. I love that you have learned how to compassionately share your own story in a safe and healthy manner. That is important not just for others to open up to, but it is also important for you to only share what you feel comfortable sharing as to not be re-traumatized in the future. While sharing our own experiences makes mental health distress more relatable, we have to remember as Mental Health Coaches, that everyone’s mental health journey is unique.
In my time as a Mental Health Coach, I have often shared tools and techniques that have been helpful for others. I encourage those that I work with to apply these techniques as it applies to them. It is ok to tweak a plan or resource as this is not a one size fits all. Being compassionate, caring, and understanding are some of the best ways to break stigma in your community. It is a blessing to have a mental health ministry within your faith community and community programs. I look forward to hearing how your faith community integrates the benefits of this Mental Health Ministry into your organization. Thank you for taking the first step in bridging the gap in the mental health community.
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David, I love your 3 C’s method. I agree that connections or relationships with your community are the absolute foundation of making an impact in the community. Especially in minority communities where trust is necessary in order for the community to be receptive and accept help. Without that, no matter how great of program or referral network you may have, no progress will be made. Content and credibility are great ways to describe the resources you plan to bring to the community. Having a program and a referral network not only that you standby, but that speaks for itself, will be well received. In some of the greatest marketing campaigns that I have seen, very little is actually done to market the product. The very reputation your Mental Health Coach ministry builds over time, will be your greatest channel for marketing. Word of mouth is a powerful tool that many individuals overlook. I look forward to hearing all the wonderful stories you will share in the years to come of how serving as a Mental Health Coach has impacted your community and those it serves. Thank you for taking the step in becoming a Mental Health Coach.
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Ella, there is a long history of myths surrounding mental health. Matthew S. Stanford, PhD., wrote a book called Madness & Grace. It details the history of the faith community and it’s involvement in the mental health community. In there, you can read how the church or religious organizations have bridged the gap and broken some of those long believed myths. Myths which include that mental health distress is a result of sin, being weak in faith, or moral failings. Despite those beliefs, it is amazing how an individual in mental health distress is more likely to seek help from their faith community before seeking medical assistance. Individuals still see their faith community as a place of refuge and help. While there is still more work to be done, it is the very foundation of our Mental Health Coach training course.
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Fiona, the stigma around mental health in minority groups is deeply rooted in a multitude of factors. I agree that “be strong, don’t show weakness, not in public” are common phrases that you will hear when someone begins to share their mental health struggles. The problem with that is, no one is ever there to help the individual deal with or talk through those same struggles in private. It often gets swept under the rug or not talked about again and the mental health distress continues.
I agree that building trust and speaking their language, both literally and culturally, you will make inroads into having the individual be open to receive help or a referral for additional services. Being able to build on that trust and show yourself to be genuine, that individual will be a great referral source for others to come seek help from you as a Mental Health Coach. I look forward to hearing all the great things that your organization will do in bridging the gap in the mental health community and the impact you will have on the community you serve.
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Cecilia, I love your use of music as a de-escalation technique. As a Mental Health Coach, I often play soft Christian music in the background when hosting a group or session. I find that music has a way of calming people or it also has a way of speaking to / connecting with people. Many times I have had a person say, “Wow that music is on point today. It really speaks to what I am going through right now.” The use of aroma therapy is also a great grounding technique. The other grounding techniques mentioned work well. They distract the brain from the emotions at hand and get the individual to refocus on the present moment. I look forward to hearing what other de-escalation techniques you find helpful as a Mental Health Coach.
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Grounding techniques are very important, Taylor. As humans we feel things so intensely sometimes that it disrupts our thinking patterns. Being able to have several tried and true techniques that you are comfortable implementing is important as a Mental Health Coach. It may take more than 1 technique to calm a person down or get them to refocus on the matter at hand. I have also read about another MHCs adding fidget spinner to their toolkit. Having the individual do a task while expressing their emotions can also help ground them and keep the emotions under control. If you try any other techniques, I’d love to hear them.
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Linda, I agree that far too often we reply with, “I’m good, how are you?” instead of sharing how we are actually feeling. In rare instances will you have someone answer honestly. As a Mental Health Coach, I long for a day when we normalize honestly and vulnerability instead of putting on the brave face we are so used to doing. In sharing our struggles, we will often find common ground that leads to empathy and compassion. As a Mental Health Coach, you have the opportunity to allow others the space needed to be open, honest, and find a path to healing. I look forward to hearing how your work as a Mental Health Coach will impact the community in which you serve.
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Hello Shelby! Thank you for your heart and passion for launching a Mental Health Ministry within your faith community. We know that 70% of individuals struggling with mental health distress often turn to a clergy or faith community. Your faithfulness will have a lasting impact in your community and those you serve. We look forward to hearing your journey and success stories along the way.
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Nice to meet you Robert! Thank you for your work as a RN and a first responder. I am glad to hear you have started your journey as a Mental Health Coach in preparation of today’s MHM Master Class. In my time as a Mental Health Coach, I have found it very rewarding helping others and walking along side their mental health journey. I hope you find today’s course informative and helpful as you start your Mental Health Ministry.
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Does your faith community or organization already have some of these events in place? If not, I suggest partnering with another non-profit or organization in your area to collaborate with them. It helps to have additional support and also the backing of other seasoned individuals to help guide you along the process as you start your mental health coach journey. I look forward to hearing more about your journey and all the wonderful stories to come. Remember that this forum is here to help you if you ever need advise, resources, or to talk to other MHCs like yourself. We also have our own private FB Mental Health Coach Network page. You can request access at:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19Z27bHbYL/
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