Session 9: Grief, Loss & Mental Health and Wellbeing
Aims
By the end of this session you should be able to:
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Understand and describe ministry to those who are dying and those experiencing grief and loss
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Be aware of mental health in yourself and in others
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Consider faith and mental health when offering pastoral care
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Work with others to identify sources of help, information and further resources
Prayer
Loving God, you are merciful and forgiving. Surround with your comfort all those who are struggling this day in body, mind or spirit; may they and we experience your generous love, renewal and hope in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Fragility of Life
Before we start this session do a check in with yourself. Take a look in the mirror.
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How are you today?
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​What can you tell about your own state of health by looking at yourself?
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​Have a guess as to what other people might say about you.
Faith
Watch the video below and make note of:
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What did you find helpful?
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What raises more questions?
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What surprised you?
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What annoyed you?
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Anything else?
Watch the video below where Catherine Haddow, Chartered Psychologist, answers six questions about Christian Soul Care:
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How do I care pastorally for a believer with psychiatric diagnosis?

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Is it okay for Christians to take medication for emotional problems?

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My doctor has referred me for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for my anxiety – is this okay?

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How can I help someone suffering to pray?

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How can this have happened to me?

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Why is social media so linked to anxiety?
Interview recorded at the EQUIP 2018 conference at Christchurch Centre, Newport.
Sources of Help & Supervision
Working as a group across the Forum, collect as many sources of help, information and others resources as you can find, to share with other and for possible discussion the final Shared Learning Morning.
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Here are two to get you started:
Spotlight on Doctrine
Choose one story from the Bible that can be read through the lens of faith and mental health.
How does it speak to you?
Write three things down in your learning journal.
Spotlight on a Safer Church
With what you already know about promoting a safer church, what are the main issues you have identified this week in order to be safe when involved with pastoral care? Make a note in your learning journal.
Spotlight on Spirituality
In the light of your reflections on this session, what are you most thankful for?
What have you found difficult or challenging?
Write or draw just one word or image that will help you in your journey with God at this time.
Reflect
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What has particularly struck you in this session?
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What has challenged you personally to grow?
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How will you use some of what you have learned as you live out your life of faith?
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How will you use it in your ministry?
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How does it help you to llive out the Diocesan Vision Value of lifegiving love?
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In no more than 300 words, post your thoughts on the Forum
Pray
Blessed are you, Lord our God,
all things come from you:
from you come our life, this world
and all that we have and are.
Help us to love one another as you have loved us.
Blessed are you, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.
Amen
Something Practical To Do
Ask someone how they are this week. Listen carefully and intently to their answer. If you can see them, note their body language and listen to their tone of voice; if you can only hear them, just do the latter. Does what they say match their unspoken cues or do you detect something different?
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If you like, share some of what you have found on the Forum
Resources
