In a groundbreaking initiative within the Suburban Vicariate, Fr Hasely King O Carm has launched a mental health outreach programme to support those struggling quietly within the community.

Speaking on Altos, Fr King shared how the programme came about, and the challenges faced in addressing mental health from within the church.

The Mental Health Initiative (MHI) began during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when many people showed signs of depression, grief, and loneliness. “During the height of the Covid pandemic, we felt that there were a number of people who were exhibiting behaviours associated with mental health challenges,” Fr King explained. “Myself and a few other persons who are in the mental health profession decided that we are going to respond to this need.”

Recognising that the pandemic only exacerbated existing issues, the initiative expanded to serve those struggling beyond Covid’s immediate impact. “There were people who were struggling with mental health issues, and they felt that there wasn’t anywhere to go. We tried to create an atmosphere and environment where we could respond to that need,” he said.

Breaking the silence: mental health and the Church

Fr King highlighted the frequent misconception within the Church that mental health struggles are solely spiritual problems. “A lot of people like easy answers to complex questions. Sometimes the torture or the difficulty that we experience in terms of our mental health could resemble or seem like it’s some spiritual problem, but when in fact it is a mental health issue and you could get help,” he stated.

Addressing the often-taboo subject of mental health in parishes, especially among young people, remains a challenge. Fr King recalled efforts to engage youth on difficult topics: “We put on a conference, a seminar for pornography. A number of parents said they’re not going to send children to hear about no porn in church. We put on something about suicide… There are a number of people who said, ‘If they go to this, then it will give them the idea about suicide. It’s a gateway.’ When in truth and in fact, all these things that they are preventing their children from hearing in the church, they’re hearing it outside of the church, and they are unable to respond with a church-like response.”

He emphasised the need for open and compassionate dialogue: “How do we spread that message? It doesn’t have a spiritual dynamism around it. One of the ways that we could do that is little by little. So, me talking about it in a programme like this, writing in The Catholic News, or even preaching about it, finding ways, creative ways in which we could reach people and have them to understand that it’s okay to have mental health issues. What is not okay is not to address it.”

Integrating faith and professional help

When asked if it is possible to love Jesus and seek therapy simultaneously, Fr King was clear: “Yes, certainly. And I think most of our therapists on board try to incorporate spirituality with responding to the mental health need.”

For those silently struggling, Fr King urged them to reach out for help. “I would say reach out to a friend or a relative who you trust and see if it is something that you need professional help with. If there’s need for professional help, you could reach out to us as a mental health initiative, or you could go to a credible therapist.”

He also touched on the importance of Confession but reminded that spiritual care alone may not be sufficient for mental health struggles. “Confession is exceptionally important… but certainly, if you have a good confessor and he recognises that you may need further help, they will point you in that direction because we are holistic individuals. So, while Confession will help with the soul, if we don’t eat, our body starts fading away. The same thing is true for our mental health.”

Overcoming stigma and supporting the Initiative

In addressing the stigma surrounding mental health, especially among parents, Fr King believes education and ongoing conversations from the pulpit can help change attitudes. “Education is the key and creativity. We have a good foundation or a place, the pulpit, where we could start talking about it and helping people to understand.”

He invited the faithful to support the MHI through prayer, conversation, and donations. “The very first thing I would say is that you could pray for the MHI. A second way in which people could help is that start talking to each other about their mental health… We try not to turn back anyone. However, some of our therapists, we subsidise them. So, one of the things that you could do is make a donation to the Mental Health Initiative.”

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