Mental Health Toolkit
Spiritual Guidance for Mental Wellness
Our toolkit is available to enhance your current efforts in promoting mental health and emotional wellness for faith leaders, congregants, and the extended communities within Black and Latino religious spaces.
Faith is deeply personal and profoundly influential. In fact, 59.6% of Black congregants and 44.3% of Latino congregants have or want therapists that share their religious views or faith.* Faith can coexist with practical solutions to mental health issues when they're grounded in spiritual guidance and love.
Many religious leaders across faiths are exploring ways to promote emotional wellness in their communities through the lens of faith. To support that work and complement spiritual teachings, we've developed this research-based toolkit with mental health experts, community leaders and with Values Partnerships, a leading social impact agency focused on communities of faith.
This resource provides insightful education, messaging guidance, and support tools to enhance your current outreach efforts or help you get started.
A COMMUNITY IN CRISIS
Across Black and Latino faith communities, there are still deep-rooted misconceptions around seeking help for a wide range of mental health conditions, from anxiety and depression to addiction and even suicidal thoughts.
Across the Black faith community:
-
59.6%
of clergy see gaps in mental health resources available for congregants.* -
85.7%
of clergy said anxiety is a top mental health concern for congregants.* -
92.6%
of congregants said fear of judgment keeps them from seeking out mental health care.*
Across the Latino faith community:
-
49.1%
of clergy see gaps in mental health resources available for congregants.* -
81.8%
of clergy said anxiety is a top mental health concern for congregants.* -
93.4%
of congregants said fear of judgment keeps them from seeking out mental health care.*
*Source: Gauge December 2022 Faith Community Mental Health Survey Results Report
Our content for faith communities can support the work you’re doing to break some of these cycles in your communities.
As faith leaders, we can leverage our positions of trust and respect to reassure our congregations that seeking professional help aligns with our faith and demonstrates responsibility and wisdom. We should educate ourselves about available mental health resources in our community so we can share that knowledge with our congregation.
Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Tamez Mendez
INSPIRING GROWTH THROUGH CONVERSATION
Use this messaging guide to enrich and extend your conversations about faith-based mental health and emotional wellness. As a leader in your community, you have the power to promote healing and foster a trusting environment uplifted by faith and grounded in worship.
It's Helpful To... | It's Not Helpful To... |
| Use supportive language that affirms the vast range of emotions people experience and communicates understanding. Share that it's ok to note be ok and reaching out for support is a sign of strength. | Use stigmatizing or judgmental language or imply that reaching out for help is a sign of weakness or lack of faith. It's best to not imply that the expression of emotions is unhelpful or is more of a female quality. |
| Talk about mental health as something all people have and struggle with from time to time in life. Just like physical and spiritual health, mental health is important at every stage of life. | Use language that makes one feel isolated in their mental health struggles or a sense of shame. An example is overusing the word "stigma" without explaining what it is and being specific about the misconceptions or barriers that prevent people from seeking help. |
| Encourage people to share their “lived experiences” with others because it could help someone else experiencing mental health challenges. Also provide context on why the use of mental health services might be low in our community (i.e. lack of mental health professionals that can relate or identify with us, cost, systemic inequities, etc.) | Make generalizations about an audience or provide statistics that could be perceived as unfavorable without providing additional context on the causes or contributing factors. |
| Be intentional about how mental health is introduced and framed when communicating with your intended audience. Given some people have negative associations with the term “mental health” given stigma, consider using “mental wellness,” “mental well-being,” or “emotional well-being” when appropriate. | Default to academic language (e.g., mental well-being) when communicating about mental health. Why? Certain terms and phrases can sound out of place or confusing depending on the audience. |
| Encourage individuals to find the mental health practice(s) that works for them, based on their preferences, needs and lifestyle, and to be consistent. Share healthy habit examples including journaling, exercising, meditation/mindfulness activities, and prayer. | Frame caring for mental health as one-size-fits all. Why? It's best to acknowledge that practices one person finds impactful may not work for others. |
| Acknowledge that believers do suffer in life and should use both their faith and mental health resources to be healed. | Use platitudes like “just put your faith in God” as it can minimize the person’s experience and imply that they are not devoted enough to their faith if they’re experiencing mental health challenges. |
Messaging Guidance
Download these documents containing additional considerations as well as suggested messages and guidelines to complement your current efforts or to start having more authentic and open conversations about faith-based mental health and well-being.
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Messaging Guidance for the Black Faith CommunityOur messaging guide for Black faith communities features messaging tips, advice from mental health experts, and spiritually-rooted guidance on talking about emotional health and wellness with a religious lens.
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Messaging Guidance for the Latino Faith CommunityOur messaging guide for Latino faith communities features messaging tips, advice from mental health experts, and spiritually-rooted guidance on talking about emotional health and wellness with a religious lens.
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Toolkit and Messaging Guidance for the Veteran Faith CommunityOur Veteran toolkit for faith communities features messaging tips to help initiate meaningful conversations with the Veterans in your community and provides a blueprint for incorporating content into your upcoming services.
Faith Leader eLearning Hub
Following nationwide research and interviews with faith leaders and mental health experts, the Ad Council, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, and Values Partnerships have curated this mental health education hub, with free courses and resources (in English and Spanish) to help you and the communities you serve. Walk through this learning experience by yourself or with leaders in your church to better support the mental health needs of your congregation and the broader community.
Trending Content
Download these popular videos, graphics, and more to start a dialogue today.
KevOnStage & MrsKevOnStage | Video
KevOnStage & MrsKevOnStage host a discussion with real parents and mental health experts to educate parents and caregivers on how to better support their children’s emotional well-being.
Watch the replay of the event on YouTube and share the link with the parents and caregivers in your community.
Watch the replay of the event on YouTube and share the link with the parents and caregivers in your community.
KevOnStage & MrsKevOnStage host a discussion with real parents and mental health experts to educate parents and caregivers on how to better support their children’s emotional well-being.
Watch the replay of the event on YouTube and share the link with the parents and caregivers in your community.
Watch the replay of the event on YouTube and share the link with the parents and caregivers in your community.
5 Ways to Check-In | Social Graphic
Checking in on friends doesn't have to feel high stakes. Share this graphic to remind everyone how they can easily start a chat to say "I'm here for you."
Below is the suggested social copy to use when sharing this image:
Instagram
The world can be a tough place and we need to support each other. Here are some ways you can help a friend through these moments and remind them they're not alone.
Visit @SeizeTheAwkward and SeizeTheAwkward.org for more resources. #SeizeTheAwkward
When Sharing on Instagram/Facebook Stories
Use the 'sticker' feature to add a link to SeizeTheAwkward.org
Facebook & Twitter
The world can be a tough place and we need to support each other. Here are some ways you can remind a friend they're not alone. Visit SeizeTheAwkward.org for more resources and learn more about how to #SeizeTheAwkward.
Below is the suggested social copy to use when sharing this image:
The world can be a tough place and we need to support each other. Here are some ways you can help a friend through these moments and remind them they're not alone.
Visit @SeizeTheAwkward and SeizeTheAwkward.org for more resources. #SeizeTheAwkward
When Sharing on Instagram/Facebook Stories
Use the 'sticker' feature to add a link to SeizeTheAwkward.org
Facebook & Twitter
The world can be a tough place and we need to support each other. Here are some ways you can remind a friend they're not alone. Visit SeizeTheAwkward.org for more resources and learn more about how to #SeizeTheAwkward.
Checking in on friends doesn't have to feel high stakes. Share this graphic to remind everyone how they can easily start a chat to say "I'm here for you."
Below is the suggested social copy to use when sharing this image:
Instagram
The world can be a tough place and we need to support each other. Here are some ways you can help a friend through these moments and remind them they're not alone.
Visit @SeizeTheAwkward and SeizeTheAwkward.org for more resources. #SeizeTheAwkward
When Sharing on Instagram/Facebook Stories
Use the 'sticker' feature to add a link to SeizeTheAwkward.org
Facebook & Twitter
The world can be a tough place and we need to support each other. Here are some ways you can remind a friend they're not alone. Visit SeizeTheAwkward.org for more resources and learn more about how to #SeizeTheAwkward.
Below is the suggested social copy to use when sharing this image:
The world can be a tough place and we need to support each other. Here are some ways you can help a friend through these moments and remind them they're not alone.
Visit @SeizeTheAwkward and SeizeTheAwkward.org for more resources. #SeizeTheAwkward
When Sharing on Instagram/Facebook Stories
Use the 'sticker' feature to add a link to SeizeTheAwkward.org
Facebook & Twitter
The world can be a tough place and we need to support each other. Here are some ways you can remind a friend they're not alone. Visit SeizeTheAwkward.org for more resources and learn more about how to #SeizeTheAwkward.
4 Beneficios de Música | Imágenes sociales
¡Subele al volumen! La música puede mejorar tu estado de ánimo y tu salud emocional, tanto si la haces como si la escuchas. Descarga esta imagen y comparte estos cuatro beneficios con tu comunidad.
Below is the suggested social copy to use when sharing this image:
Instagram & Facebook
La música tiene el poder de cambiar nuestro estado de ánimo, evitar las distracciones y ayudarnos a concentrarnos. También nos ayuda a expresarnos y conectar con aquellos que están cerca, especialmente con nuestros niños.
Revisa @SoundItOutTogether + la sección álbum de #SoundItOut para romper el hielo: https://EscuchandoSentimientos.org/
Instagram/Facebook Stories
Use 'sticker' feature to add a link to: http://www.EscuchandoSentimientos.org
Twitter
La música tiene el poder de cambiar nuestro estado de ánimo, evitar las distracciones y ayudarnos a concentrarnos. También nos ayuda a expresarnos y conectar con aquellos que están cerca, especialmente con nuestros niños. Revisa @SoundIt_Out y EscuchandoSentimientos.org.
Below is the suggested social copy to use when sharing this image:
Instagram & Facebook
La música tiene el poder de cambiar nuestro estado de ánimo, evitar las distracciones y ayudarnos a concentrarnos. También nos ayuda a expresarnos y conectar con aquellos que están cerca, especialmente con nuestros niños.
Revisa @SoundItOutTogether + la sección álbum de #SoundItOut para romper el hielo: https://EscuchandoSentimientos.org/
Instagram/Facebook Stories
Use 'sticker' feature to add a link to: http://www.EscuchandoSentimientos.org
La música tiene el poder de cambiar nuestro estado de ánimo, evitar las distracciones y ayudarnos a concentrarnos. También nos ayuda a expresarnos y conectar con aquellos que están cerca, especialmente con nuestros niños. Revisa @SoundIt_Out y EscuchandoSentimientos.org.
¡Subele al volumen! La música puede mejorar tu estado de ánimo y tu salud emocional, tanto si la haces como si la escuchas. Descarga esta imagen y comparte estos cuatro beneficios con tu comunidad.
Below is the suggested social copy to use when sharing this image:
Instagram & Facebook
La música tiene el poder de cambiar nuestro estado de ánimo, evitar las distracciones y ayudarnos a concentrarnos. También nos ayuda a expresarnos y conectar con aquellos que están cerca, especialmente con nuestros niños.
Revisa @SoundItOutTogether + la sección álbum de #SoundItOut para romper el hielo: https://EscuchandoSentimientos.org/
Instagram/Facebook Stories
Use 'sticker' feature to add a link to: http://www.EscuchandoSentimientos.org
Twitter
La música tiene el poder de cambiar nuestro estado de ánimo, evitar las distracciones y ayudarnos a concentrarnos. También nos ayuda a expresarnos y conectar con aquellos que están cerca, especialmente con nuestros niños. Revisa @SoundIt_Out y EscuchandoSentimientos.org.
Below is the suggested social copy to use when sharing this image:
Instagram & Facebook
La música tiene el poder de cambiar nuestro estado de ánimo, evitar las distracciones y ayudarnos a concentrarnos. También nos ayuda a expresarnos y conectar con aquellos que están cerca, especialmente con nuestros niños.
Revisa @SoundItOutTogether + la sección álbum de #SoundItOut para romper el hielo: https://EscuchandoSentimientos.org/
Instagram/Facebook Stories
Use 'sticker' feature to add a link to: http://www.EscuchandoSentimientos.org
La música tiene el poder de cambiar nuestro estado de ánimo, evitar las distracciones y ayudarnos a concentrarnos. También nos ayuda a expresarnos y conectar con aquellos que están cerca, especialmente con nuestros niños. Revisa @SoundIt_Out y EscuchandoSentimientos.org.
Conéctatando Con Tu Niño | Imágenes sociales
La música es una puerta de entrada a la expresión. Comparte esta gráfica para inspirar a los padres y cuidadores a utilizar la música para notar los sentimientos y el bienestar emocional de sus hijos.
Below is the suggested social copy to use when sharing this image:
Instagram & Facebook
Nuestros niños experimentan muchas emociones diferentes, y la música los puede ayudar a entender y comunicar esos sentimientos. Estas son algunas preguntas que puedes hacer para iniciar la conversación.
Para obtener más consejos, visita @SoundItOutTogether o EscuchandoSentimientos.org.
Instagram/Facebook Stories
Use 'sticker' feature to add a link to http://www.EscuchandoSentimientos.org
Twitter
Nuestros niños experimentan muchas emociones diferentes, y la música los puede ayudar a entender y comunicar esos sentimientos. Para obtener más consejos, visita @SoundIt_Out o EscuchandoSentimientos.org
Below is the suggested social copy to use when sharing this image:
Instagram & Facebook
Nuestros niños experimentan muchas emociones diferentes, y la música los puede ayudar a entender y comunicar esos sentimientos. Estas son algunas preguntas que puedes hacer para iniciar la conversación.
Para obtener más consejos, visita @SoundItOutTogether o EscuchandoSentimientos.org.
Instagram/Facebook Stories
Use 'sticker' feature to add a link to http://www.EscuchandoSentimientos.org
Nuestros niños experimentan muchas emociones diferentes, y la música los puede ayudar a entender y comunicar esos sentimientos. Para obtener más consejos, visita @SoundIt_Out o EscuchandoSentimientos.org
La música es una puerta de entrada a la expresión. Comparte esta gráfica para inspirar a los padres y cuidadores a utilizar la música para notar los sentimientos y el bienestar emocional de sus hijos.
Below is the suggested social copy to use when sharing this image:
Instagram & Facebook
Nuestros niños experimentan muchas emociones diferentes, y la música los puede ayudar a entender y comunicar esos sentimientos. Estas son algunas preguntas que puedes hacer para iniciar la conversación.
Para obtener más consejos, visita @SoundItOutTogether o EscuchandoSentimientos.org.
Instagram/Facebook Stories
Use 'sticker' feature to add a link to http://www.EscuchandoSentimientos.org
Twitter
Nuestros niños experimentan muchas emociones diferentes, y la música los puede ayudar a entender y comunicar esos sentimientos. Para obtener más consejos, visita @SoundIt_Out o EscuchandoSentimientos.org
Below is the suggested social copy to use when sharing this image:
Instagram & Facebook
Nuestros niños experimentan muchas emociones diferentes, y la música los puede ayudar a entender y comunicar esos sentimientos. Estas son algunas preguntas que puedes hacer para iniciar la conversación.
Para obtener más consejos, visita @SoundItOutTogether o EscuchandoSentimientos.org.
Instagram/Facebook Stories
Use 'sticker' feature to add a link to http://www.EscuchandoSentimientos.org
Nuestros niños experimentan muchas emociones diferentes, y la música los puede ayudar a entender y comunicar esos sentimientos. Para obtener más consejos, visita @SoundIt_Out o EscuchandoSentimientos.org
Explore More Mental Health Outreach Initiatives
CRISIS RESOURCES
If you or someone you know needs help, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for 24/7 free and confidential support.