Community Panel

The panel will be occurring in Auditorium B at Cleveland Clinic – South Pointe Hospital, 20050 Harvard Avenue, Warrensville Heights, OH 44122.

Community Panel on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Faith Communities: Summary

Purpose: The upcoming community panel will explore the intersection of faith, mental health, and wellbeing, focusing on how faith communities can better support individuals dealing with mental health challenges.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Current Initiatives in Faith Communities: Panelists will discuss the ongoing work within their communities to support mental health, including programs, support groups, and collaborations with mental health professionals. This will highlight successful strategies and areas needing improvement.
2. Supporting and Including Individuals with Mental Illness: The conversation will explore ways faith leaders and communities can be more inclusive and supportive of individuals living with mental illness and their families. This includes creating welcoming environments, reducing stigma, and integrating mental health care into the fabric of the community.
3. Trauma-Informed Approaches: Panelists will consider how faith leaders can adopt trauma-informed approaches in their ministries. This involves understanding the impact of trauma on mental health, training leaders to recognize trauma, and creating safe spaces for healing.
4. Addressing Historical Stigma: A significant portion of the discussion will focus on how faith communities can address the historical stigma surrounding mental illness, disability, and suicide. The panel will consider how to reframe traditional teachings and encourage compassionate, informed perspectives that reduce shame and promote healing.
5. Faith Tradition and Mental Health: Panelists will reflect on how the wisdom found in scripture, rituals, arts, and other traditions can shape their understanding of mental, emotional, and spiritual health. They will discuss how these elements can be used to support individuals and foster a holistic approach to wellbeing.
6. Role of Spiritual Practices: The role of spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and mindfulness in supporting mental health will be explored. Panelists will discuss how these practices can be integrated into daily life to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing.
7. Community and Mental Health: The discussion will emphasize the role of community in supporting mental health. Panelists will consider how faith communities can strengthen their role in providing support, reducing isolation, and promoting mental health awareness.
8. Concrete Actions: Finally, the panel will suggest concrete actions that faith leaders and communities can take to promote mental health awareness and access. This might include initiatives like hosting mental health workshops, creating partnerships with mental health professionals, and advocating for mental health resources within the community.