Faith and Mental Health

Just as Jesus healed people struggling with mental, emotional and physical ailments, United Methodists reach out to their sisters and brothers who seek healing. Read stories of individuals and congregations tackling the challenges of mental health through a variety of ministries. Find resources for ministering to persons with mental illness and their families, and ideas for creating caring environments within your faith community.

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Mental Health Series

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What does United Methodism say about mental health and addictions?

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Global Health

Doug Yetter (left), director of music at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, Del., accompanies the Parkinson’s Education and Support Group of Sussex County Choir during its performance April 10 at the church. Keeping active though singing and other physical activity can hold off progression of the disease. Photo by Jim Patterson, UM News.

Joy of singing aids people with Parkinson’s

At Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, there’s a new choir in town. It offers people with Parkinson’s disease tools to cope, including music and community.

Global Health

Tim’s Place offers a safe, welcoming space for persons with memory loss and trained volunteers to build community together. Photo by Tim's Place, courtesy of the Pacific Northwest Conference.

Church helps families dealing with dementia

Trinity United Methodist Church started Tim’s Place to provide support for individuals with memory loss and time for their caregivers to recharge. The ministry was “a dream to help overwhelmed caregivers have some respite from their daily duties,” said program director Rhonda Heyn. Patrick Scriven has the story.

The Rev. Kathy Heustess, director of the Center for Wellbeing, meets with clients in her Knoxville office as well as in Johnson City and Chattanooga and remotely. Photo by Ben Smith, Holston Conference.

Help for clergy with disaffiliation stress

Some clergy are still struggling with decisions about their future, including whether to “stay or go” in The United Methodist Church. The Holston Conference’s Center for Wellbeing aims to help pastors and lay staff members deal with disaffiliation and other stresses. Annette Spence reports.