ELCA congregations

Dignity & grace in the face of mental illness

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Mental illness can be mild or severe, periodic or chronic, but it is one of the most common health problems in the U.S., says the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). More than half of us will be diagnosed with some kind of mental illness in our lifetime, the CDC reports. Despite its widespread nature, mental illness is still largely misunderstood and its sufferers are often shunned, shamed or stigmatized. Their caregivers and loved ones may be isolated and overwhelmed. Addressing this, many churches are working to raise awareness about mental illness and are accompanying patients and their loved ones.