Handouts are attached to the end of the slideshow

Suicidal Thoughts;
Explosive Anger;
Deep Depression:
The Church’s Response
BECOMING EQUIPPED TO AD DRESS
MENTAL HEALTH NE EDS WI THIN OUR
CHURCH BODY
“Anything that’s human is
mentionable, and anything that is
mentionable can be more
manageable.”

-FRED ROGERS
Content of presentation
Overview: Why is mental health an
important issue for the church?

How to recognize the probability of a

mental health need.

What the church can do to address mental

health needs.
Content, cont’d:
When it is appropriate to refer for mental
health needs.

What are the resources to which we refer?

Summary
Overview: Why is this an important
issue for the church?

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

How to recognize the probability of a
mental health need.

• Changes in behavior
• Withdrawal from social interaction
• Changes in appearance
• Grooming This
Photo by
• Weight changes Unknown
Author is
• Changes in friend groups licensed
under CC
• Anger issues This Photo by Unknown Author BY

• Defiance is licensed under CC BY-SA

• Paranoia
• Anxiety, nervous behaviors
• Evidence of disrupted sleep patterns
• Preferring the dark, adverse to bright lights
 What the church can do to address
mental health needs.
Catharsis – a feeling of relief; sometimes, the greatest catharsis is knowing someone who cares
enough to listen.

“When we talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.”
– Fred Rogers
This Photo by Unknown
Author is licensed under CC
BY-SA-NC
People want to talk with someone that they can trust to hear and care.
So, who do we trust to share with and talk about our feelings?
• Because of:
• Fear of judgment;
• Fear of my business being spread around.
So, we need someone who expresses empathy and that we know has a reputation, even an
ethical duty to keep confidentiality: Clergy, counselor, doctor.
 What the church can do to address
mental health needs.
 Be willing to talk about it if someone expresses concern.
 Train laity with sensitivity training, using appropriate language.
 Form a team that is called and willing to
 Facilitate lay – led Biblically based support for issues
commonly addressed such as grief, divorce recovery, and
Making Peace with Your Past;
 Provide peer support.
 Know qualified Christian counselors to which you can refer for
other issues.
 Have resource information available to address other issues,
especially physical issues. (See handout.)
When it is appropriate to refer for
mental health needs.

When depression is so severe that it interferes with daily life

functioning, suicidal ideations are expressed, or self harm is
happening;
Episodes of highly manic and/or impulsive behaviors followed by
severe mood swings;
Explosive anger episodes;
Evidence of unresolved trauma and/or post traumatic stress;
Evidence of unresolved grief.
What are the resources to which we
refer?
• 800 • Luke 4 • Crossbridge

Christian Counselors

Medical Intervention
Crisis Hotlines

• 9-8-8 • Strong • Geriatric

Tower Behavioral
• Samaritan Health
Counseling • Alabama
• Pathways Behavioral
Counseling Health
• Ellis • MAO
Counseling, Behavioral
LLC Health
• Mtgy Area
Pscyhiatric
Services
Other Resources

Addictions
Food Insecurity
Homelessness

• Friendship • LLM – • Baptist

Mission Matthew 25 Health
• Family • Community • Bradford
Promise of Hope • Absolutions
• Mary • Caring • Fisher Farms
Ellen’s Center at • Celebrate
Hearth (at FBC Recovery
the Nellie • Local church • AA
Burge Gospel Food
Community • NA
Distributions
Center • Al Anon (for
• Salvation the family
Army members’
support
Summary
The healthiest action that a person can take is to recognize and address mental
health needs: let’s eradicate the stigma!
 1

Suicide
Myths and Facts

MYTH: No one can stop a suicide, it is inevitable.

FACT: If people in a crisis get the help they need, they will probably

never be suicidal again.

MYTH: Confronting a person about suicide will only make them angry

and increase the risk of suicide.

FACT: Asking someone directly about suicidal intent lowers

anxiety, opens communication and lowers the risk of an

impulsive act.

MYTH: Only experts can prevent suicide.

FACT: Suicide prevention is everybody’s business and anyone

can help prevent the tragedy of suicide.

MYTH: Suicidal people keep their plans to themselves.

FACT: Most suicidal people communicate their intent sometime

during the week, preceding their attempt.

MYTH: Those who talk about suicide don’t do it.

FACT: People who talk about suicide may try, or even complete, an

an act of self-destruction.

Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resource Coalition (2022)- QPR Institute: https://asparc.org
 2

MYTH: Once a person decides to complete suicide, there is nothing

anyone can do to stop them.

FACT: Suicide is the most preventable kind of death and almost

any positive action may save a life.

Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resource Coalition (2022)- QPR Institute: https://asparc.org
 SUICIDE CLUES AND WARNING SIGNS

Direct Verbal Clues:

 I’ve decided to kill myself
 I wish I were dead
 I’m going to commit suicide
 I’m going to end it all
 If (such and such) doesn’t happen, I’ll kill myself

Indirect Verbal Clues:

 I’m tired of life, I just can’t go on
 My family would be better off without me
 Who cares if I’m dead anyway?
 I just want out
 I won’t be around much longer
 Pretty soon you won’t have to worry about me

Behavioral Clues:
 Any previous suicide attempt
 Acquiring a gun or stockpiling pills
 Co-occurring depression, moodiness, hopelessness
 Putting personal affairs in order
 Giving away prized possessions
 Sudden interest or disinterest in religion
 Drug or alcohol abuse, or relapse after a period of recovery

Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resource Coalition (2022)- QPR Institute: https://asparc.org
  Unexplained anger, aggression and irritability

Situational Clues:
 Being fired or being expelled from school
 A recent unwanted move
 Loss of any major relationship
 Death of a spouse, child or best friend, especially if by suicide
 Diagnosis of a serious terminal illness
 Sudden unexpected loss of freedom or fear of punishment
 Anticipated loss of financial security
 Loss of a cherished therapist, counselor, or teacher
 Fear of becoming a burden to others

Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resource Coalition (2022)- QPR Institute: https://asparc.org
8/15/22, 1:53 PM 988 mental health line offers care options for those in crisis

NEWS

What is 988? What you need to know

about the new mental health crisis
helpline
Devarrick Turner
Knoxville News Sentinel
Published 5:01 a.m. ET July 12, 2022 Updated 6:36 a.m. ET July 12, 2022

Beginning July 16, those experiencing mental health crises, suicidal thoughts or substance
abuse issues anywhere in the U.S. can dial or text 988 for expert care or guidance. 

Think of it like 911, which is easy to remember in a crisis, but for specific needs. 

Anyone who calls 988 and will be redirected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline,
which links to around 200 local crisis centers across the country.

What is 988 and when to call?

Through the universal 988 number, trained counselors and response teams will be available
24/7. They listen to the caller’s problems, asses their needs and provide support by
connecting individuals with resources, and alert local emergency crisis teams, if necessary.  

Anyone with these concerns can call: 

Mental health-related distress

Thoughts of suicide
Substance use crisis
Emotional distress
There are specialized services available for veterans, LGBTQ individuals and other
groups.
People who are worried about a loved one who may need support also can call. 

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2022/07/12/988-mental-health-line-offers-care-options-those-crisis-suicide-prevention/7749081001/ 1/2
8/15/22, 1:53 PM 988 mental health line offers care options for those in crisis

Intended benefits of 988

According to the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act signed in October 2020, the hope
of 988 is to have an easy to remember number to increase immediate accessibility to mental
health support, increase support to at-risk communities and to decrease law enforcement
presence on mental health emergency and substance abuse cases.

Callers will be connected to trained counselors who can address their immediate needs
and help find resources and support for ongoing care.
A goal is to reduce use of law enforcement on mental health and substance abuse calls,
which decreases arrests and decriminalizes mental health crises.
Provides cost-effective early interventions and reduce health care spending.
Meet the growing need for mental health crisis intervention
Help end stigma toward those seeking or accessing mental healthcare

Mental Health America reports that nearly 50 million adult Americans experienced mental
illness in 2019 and over 2.5 million youth have severe depression. Mental illness and
substance abuse may have been exacerbated by the pandemic and less than 50% of adults
with mental illness receive treatment.

Help that's available now

988 will become active nationwide July 16. However, you will still be able to dial the current
10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number 1-800-273-TALK (8255) once the
three-digit number is implemented and receive the same help.

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2022/07/12/988-mental-health-line-offers-care-options-those-crisis-suicide-prevention/7749081001/ 2/2
 Local Benevolence Resources
The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and
sisters of mine, you did for ME. – Matthew 25: 40

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADDRESS E-MAIL TELEPHONE NUMBER

Child Protect 935 S. Perry St. www.childprotect.org 334- 262-1220

Montgomery, Al 36104
DHR Montgomery Co. 3030 Mobile Hwy. Dhr.alabama.gov 334-293-3100 option 2
Montgomery, Al 36108
DHR Elmore Co. 8961 U.S. Hwy. Dhr.alabama.gov 334- 514- 3200
Wetumpka, Al 36092
DHR Autauga Co. 203 N Court St. Dhr.alabama.gov 334- 358-5000
Prattville, Al 36067
DHR Lowndes Co. 382 AL- 97. Dhr.alabama.gov 1-334-548-3800 (must
Hayneville, AL 36040 dial 1 + area code)
Family Sunshine Center 857 S. Court St. Familysunshine.org 334- 206- 2100
Montgomery, Al 36104

Legal Services of 2567 Fairlane Dr. #200 www.legalservicesalabama.org 334-832-4570

Alabama Montgomery, Al 36116
Montgomery County 1111 Air Base Blvd. Montgomery.alcourt.gov/family- 334-832-2517
Family Court Montgomery, Al 36108 court
Kings Home/ Hannah 221 Kings Home Dr. www.kingshome.com/giving/donate/ 205-678-8331
Home Chelsea, Al 35043
FOOD
Autauga Interfaith Care 163 W 3rd St. Autaugainterfaithcarecenter.com 334-365-4080
(T-W-Thur 9:30-2:30 Prattville, Al 36067
only)
St. Bede Food Bank 3870 Atlanta Hwy. www.stbede.org/ 334-272-3463
(Tuesday only- need to Montgomery, Al 36109
schedule an
appointment)
Salvation Army 900 Bell St. Salvationarmyalm.org 334-265-0281
(4pm- 4:30pm) Montgomery, Al 36104

Love Loud Montgomery 1551 East Ann St. Mgmbaptists.org 334-269-5726

(Mondays & Wednesday Montgomery, Al 36106
appointment only)
Frazer Community 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Frazer.church 334-272-8622
Ministries Montgomery, Al 36117
(Crisis Only)
Vaugh Park Church 3800 Vaugh Rd. Vaughnpark.com 334- 272-2665
Pantry Montgomery, Al
(Must call for
appointment)
First Baptist Church 380 Arba St. Montgomeryfbc.org 334-241-5140
Caring Center Montgomery, Al 36104
(Mon 9am-12; Wed 1-3)
HOMELESS/ HOTMEALS

Mercy House 12 E Delano Ave. Mercyhousemgm.org 334- 676-1377

Montgomery, Al 36105

Reality and Truth 108 Camden St. Realityandtruth.com 334- 262-6024

(Faith Rescue Mission) Montgomery, Al 36104

HOUSING/ HOMELESS

Salvation Army 900 Maxwell Blvd. Salvationarmyalm.org 334-265-0281

Montgomery, Al 36104

Montgomery Housing 525 S Lawrence St. www.mhatoday.org 334-206-7200

Authority (Section 8) & Montgomery, Al 36104
Public Housing
Family Promise of 28 Crenshaw St. www.familypromisemontgomery.org 334-265-2010
Montgomery Montgomery, Al 36104

Friendship Mission 3561 Mobile Hwy. Friendshipmission.org 334-281-2395

(Public soup kitchen – Montgomery, Al 36108
3561 Mobile Hwy)
(Women’s shelter – 312
Chisholm St. and Men
shelter-3561 Mobile
Hwy)
Mid- Alabama Coalition 101B Coliseum Blvd. midalhomeless.org/ 334-261-6182
for Homeless Montgomery, Al 36109

Mary Ellens Hearth 1226 Clay St. Maryellenshearth.org 334-264-4108

@ Nellie Burge Montgomery, Al 36104
Community Center
JOB Information

Hope inspired Ministries 145 Coliseum Blvd. Hopeinspiredministries.org 334-649-4330

Montgomery, Al 36109

Alabama Job Link joblink.alabama.gov

Career One Stop Jobsearch.org

Career Builder Careerbuilder.com

Montgomery City-County 27 Madison Ave. Jobaps.com/mgm/ 334-625-2675

Personnel Montgomery, Al 36104

Manpower 9134 Eastchase Pkwy. Manpower.com 334-215-8782

Montgomery, Al 36117

Workforce of 300 Arba St. Walkerworkforce.com/ 334-265-0100

Montgomery Montgomery, Al
36104
PREGNANCY
RESOURCES

AGAPE of Central 3800 Vaughn Rd. Agapeforchildren.org 334-272- 9466

Alabama Montgomery, Al 36106

C.O.P.E. 2158 Madison Ave. Pregnancymontgomery.org 334-264-9143

Montgomery, Al 36107

Catholic Social Services 4455 Narrow Lane Rd. Catholicsocialservices.org 334-288-8890

Montgomery, Al 36116

Gift of Life Maternity 1348 Carmichael Way, Golfound.org 334-272-18290

Care Program Montgomery, Al 36106

Alabama Medicaid 501 Dexter Ave. Medicaid.alabama.gov 334-242-5000 / 800-362-

Montgomery, Al 36104 1504

WIC: Women, Infants & 3060 Mobile Hwy. Alabamapublichealth. gov 334-206-5673
Children Montgomery, Al 36108

First Choice Women’s 380 Mendel Pkwy, Firstchoicemontgomery.com 334- 260- 8010
Medical Center Montgomery, Al 36117

River Region Health 1845 Cherry St. Healthservicesinc.org 334- 263-2301

Center Montgomery, Al 36107

PRESCRIPTIONS

Medication Assistance Mat.org 571- 350-8643

Program

Easter Seals Services 2185 Normandie Dr. Eastersealsca.org 334- 288-0240

Montgomery, Al 36107
Catholic Social Services 4455 Narrow Lane Rd. www.cssalabama.org 334- 288-8890
Montgomery, Al 36116

ALCOHOL & DRUG

ABUSE

AA Alcoholic Anonymous Centralalaa.org 334-264-4122

ALANON/ ALATEEN Centralalaa.org 334-264-4122

1-800-SOBER- 90 (24
HOURS)

COSA: Council on Cosancadd.org 334-262-1629

Substance Abuse

Aletheia House 1153 Air Base Blvd. Specialkindofcaring.org 334-269-2150

(Formerly CAP: Chemical Montgomery, Al 36108
Addiction Program)
Cross Bridge Behavior 4385 Narrow Lane Rd. Baptistfirst.org 334-286-3113
Health Montgomery, Al 36116

COUNSELING

Standing Together 530 South Lawrence St. Oneplacefjc.org 334-213-1227

Against Rape (STAR) Montgomery, Al 36104

Family Promise Center 3020, 28 Crenshaw St. Familypromisemontgomery.org 334-265-2010

Montgomery, Al 36104

Love Loud Montgomery 2026 East 4th St. Mgmbaptists.org 334-269-5726

(Tuesday, Thursday and Montgomery, Al 36106
Friday appointment only
Mental Health Authority 2140 Upper Rd. Mamha.org 334-279-7830
Wetumpka, Al
36107
Family Guidance 2358 Fairlane Dr. Familyguidancecenter.org 334-334-270-4100
Counseling Montgomery, Al 36116

Samaritan Counseling 2911 Zelda Rd. Tsccenter.org 334-262-7787

Center Montgomery, Al 36106

Nami’s Crisis Line- A national crisis line specifically 9-8-8

(9-8-8) dedicated for mental health
(Mental Health Crisis) emergencies.
211- Hands on River Provides a listing of all 2-1-1
Region agencies & ministries in
the area.