1. SPIRITUALITY & MENTAL ILLNESS: TOOLS FOR RECOVERY
Scott Rose, President/CEO
Way Station, Inc.
Al Rose, Retired Permanent Deacon
Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore

2. CHALLENGES
Some approaches to religion can exacerbate symptoms of mental illness
Evangelization efforts of some faith communities may not be sensitive to the vulnerability of people with serious mental illness
Stigma and lack of understanding about mental illness
Lack of clarity about the difference between spiritual support and professional clinical care
Quiet and rigid structure of many worship settings may not be conducive to disruptive behaviors

3. BENEFITS Whole-person Recovery Illness Management / Coping Strategies
Community Integration
Stigma Reduction

4. WAY STATION’S SPIRITUALITY PROJECTS
Spirituality groups in psychosocial rehabilitation day program
Supported participation in local faith communities
Presentations at faith communities by clients, staff and family members
Manuscript of stories and reflections by client, staff and family member

5. ADAPTION OF ILLNESS MANAGEMENT AND RECOVERY
Learn to manage symptoms vs try to eliminate or reduce
Examples

6. ADAPTION OF SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
Sole Eligibility Criteria: Expressed Desire to Participate
Placement Development
1) Education for Faith Communities – APA Mental Health
Guide for Faith Leaders
Create Open and Inclusive Environment
Distinguish Between Spiritual Problems / Mental Illness and Spiritual Support / Clinical Care
Educate Congregation Through Sermons and Lectures
Have Good Referral Information
community-partnership

7. 2) Presentation at Faith Communities by Individuals with Mental Illness, Staff and Family Members
Example for Christian Church:
Fifteen Steps Out of Darkness:
The Way of the Cross for People on the Journey of Mental Illness
Follow-along Support