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Recommended:
NEWS FLASH! The Guild of St. Benedict Joseph Labre, co founded by Timothy Duff, has just issued new materials for establishing
local spiritual support groups for families and individuals affected by mental illness. See the web link to this extraordinary
movement on "The Sacramental" Page. Tender Mercies: Prayers for Healing and Coping by Mary Peter Martin F.S.P. by
Pauline Press is a compilation of prayers for those in the throes of emotional storms. Look for Our Sunday Visitor review August
26, 2007 of this timely publication or visit their site. Canticle
Magazine (Women of Grace) January/February 2007 features an outstanding article: "Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: Hope for
Depression Sufferers" by Kathleen P. Hockey, also author of Raising Depression-Free Children (a helpful read even post
diagnosis!). Also, check out their latest article on parenting children with same sex attraction. Books
by Gregory Popcak: I'm loving and gaining from his God Help Me! The Stress in Killing Me. Simply outstanding, easy
to read, and a treasure trove of practical and doable spiritual exercises! For parents of
children with same sex attraction, go to Courage's website for 'out of this world' (heaven sent) help, consolation, and direction. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
All mothers
of children with emotional illness wonder how and why their child is so afflicted. Frequently families are fractured or broken
by the serious fallout these illnesses can inflict. Know that there are many types of help both secular and sacred. While
this site is designed to give you spiritual foundation, there is the practical help as well. However, approach all assistance
with prayer for guidance, knowing nothing on this earth is perfect. With that in mind, one organization I have found particularly
helpful is the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). They are nonpartisan, and thus far, I have not seen any official
policy contrary to our faith. Still, given so many secular political and social movements, some subtle contradictions have
crept into the group. So be very cautious! Regardless, you will meet people of faith and receive much support in your
own neighborhood. You can reach them and your local chapter through their main site. NAMI
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Recently
and increasingly faithful Catholic psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health caretakers have stepped forward to
provide healing within the cognitive, psycho-social, and spiritual domains simultaneously. One such site is The Institute
for Marital Healing/Comprehensive Counseling Services. Although located in Pennsylvania, they have a resourceful website
at www.maritalhealing.com and beyond its name are becoming more encompassing of family mental health issues. Dr. Fitzgibbons
has also been a regular on EWTN and is most reasonable and prudent with respect to his approach to children and adolescent
mental illnesses. A reliable colleague of Dr. Fitzgibbon's is Peter C. Kleponis, M.A., L.P.C., N.C.C.
Another great
link beside the ones listed above and in the upper left is to a dear friend of those whose children might suffer from mental
illness. Ronda Chervin has written several books that touch the hearts of all suffering mothers. One of her more poignant
books is The Kiss from the Cross (Saints for Every Kind of Suffering), wherein she discusses her son's heartbreaking suicide.
Yet, in the light of holy eternity and all our beautiful brothers and sisters who have gone before us, Ronda captures the
essence of our lives and faith: reliance on our omnipotent Father, for He so loved the world that He gave His only beloved
Son, Who, in turn, willingly and with perfect love, gave us His life and ushered in the Holy Spirit. Ronda can be reached
at the following underlined 'link'. Remember, these references are just a click away: www.rondachervin.com
There are other wonderful sites and many great resources which I hope to post as this site matures and God sends some angelic
technos to help :)
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