mental health
Wheaton summit examines mental health and wellbeing for clergy
By Heather Morrison — December 6, 2019
(RNS) — A summit for pastors on ‘leadership, burnout and mental health’ comes after the suicide of a prominent church leader and mental health advocate.
New Reddit project makes mental health care accessible to young Muslims
By Aysha Khan — September 25, 2019
(RNS) — As of this month, the r/Islam subreddit will offer a designated space for young Muslims to explore their own mental health — with guidance from a licensed clinical psychologist.
Judge tosses lawsuit challenging Maryland’s conversion therapy ban
By Michael Kunzelman — September 24, 2019
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — The state's ban doesn't prevent licensed therapists from expressing their personal views about conversion therapy to minor clients, a judge said.
Harvest Pastor Greg Laurie urges compassion after Jarrid Wilson’s suicide
By Alejandra Molina — September 12, 2019
RIVERSIDE (RNS) — Two days after Jarrid Wilson's suicide, Pastor Greg Laurie stressed the importance of seeking help when feeling depressed or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Pastor, author and mental health advocate Jarrid Wilson dies by suicide
By Alejandra Molina, Emily McFarlan Miller, and Roxanne Stone — September 10, 2019
(RNS) — News of Wilson’s passing followed a series of tweets he posted throughout the day Monday that dealt with suicide, including a post encouraging followers to remember that even though loving Jesus doesn’t cure mental illnesses, he does offer companionship and comfort.
For anxious young adults, religion can be a wellness tool, says new study
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 10, 2019
(RNS) — A new study by the Christian research firm Barna Group suggests faith can be an asset when dealing with mental health concerns.
In a time of rising suicide, religious communities move beyond condemnation to care
By Bob Smietana — April 25, 2019
(RNS) — Numerous faith traditions have a history of criticizing suicide as a sin. But some faith leaders are now working not only to offer those facing despair help in addressing the root causes of suicide but to remove the stigma that keeps so many suffering families quiet after the death of a loved one.
Keeping the faith in an age of anxiety
By Jana Riess — July 6, 2018
Writer Rachel Marie Stone has dealt with anxiety since childhood. Sometimes her faith made it worse with a he-sees-you-when-you're-sleeping Jesus. In her new memoir, she talks about an adult faith that calms her fearful heart and helps her shift the narrative.
Desiring God, mental health, and the truth about ‘chronological snobbery’
By Jonathan Merritt — February 16, 2018
"Thank God for psychologists and Lexapro," writes Jonathan Merritt. "Without them, I might be dead today."
How US mosques are dealing with Muslims’ mental health issues
By Yonat Shimron — January 9, 2018
RALEIGH, N.C. (RNS) — A new referral initiative is part of a growing menu of social services nationwide aimed at addressing the needs of American Muslims.
Pope Francis to Belgian Catholics: Stop offering euthanasia
By Jerome Socolovsky — August 10, 2017
LONDON (AP) — In May, the Brothers of Charity group announced it would allow doctors to perform euthanasia at its 15 psychiatric hospitals in Belgium, one of only two countries — along with the Netherlands — where doctors are legally allowed to kill people with mental health problems, at their request.
How to love each other (and ourselves) despite our differences
By Jonathan Merritt — January 3, 2017
The son of a popular Christian author talks about his struggle to embrace his uniqueness.
Was Princess Leia Jewish?
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 27, 2016
(RNS) Carrie Fisher "invented" herself as a Jew. She had a claim on that identity all along, and as an adult, exercised that claim.
Ann Voskamp answers tough questions about a word that can both harm and heal
By Jonathan Merritt — November 7, 2016
The New York Times bestselling author talk about overcoming her struggle with cutting and how brokenness can be used to hurt or heal.
Suicide leaves scars, not the stain of sin
By guest — September 29, 2016
(RNS) When it comes to suicide, I believe in a God who grieves with those of us who crumble under the weight of chemical imbalance, the side effects of medication, life crises, abuse or deep depressions.
