Spiritual Care Network Meeting Addresses Mental Health Issues

In Biloxi, Mississippi, the coastal chapter of the Spiritual Care Network held its monthly meeting with a focus on mental health, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month. The group, which convenes several times a year, invited Charlotte Terrell from Gulfport Behavioral Health System to speak. With her background in therapy and psychoeducation, Terrell addressed a gathering of mental health professionals, faith leaders, and support specialists.

During her talk, Terrell emphasized the importance of acknowledging mental health struggles and discussed practical coping strategies. She stated, ‘It’s okay to not be okay, but what steps can we take when we feel this way?’ This approach encourages proactive measures to address emotional challenges.

The meeting also highlighted the interconnectedness of mental health and addiction. Michelle Wilson, a treatment advocate at Woodland Recovery Center, shared her observations on how many individuals with substance abuse issues also face underlying mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Wilson noted, ‘A lot of people with substance abuse issues may be dealing with these deeper concerns, which can lead them to substance use as a form of coping.’

Wilson’s personal experience as a family member of someone struggling with addiction underscored the necessity for accessible resources and support systems. ‘We need to be able to find the right type of treatment for each individual based on their specific needs,’ she remarked.

Terrell concluded her presentation by encouraging attendees to practice self-care. ‘In chaotic times, it’s essential to learn how to self-regulate and ensure your own well-being before assisting others,’ she advised, stressing the need for individuals to maintain their own mental health to effectively support those around them.

The Spiritual Care Network aims to close the gaps between various mental health providers, professionals, and faith-based organizations. By fostering collaboration, the network seeks to enhance community support for those facing mental health challenges.