Hello Everyone,
When we began gathering for our first support meetings back in December of 2018, none of us could have predicted the context in which we would have been living over the last 10 months in 2020. The COVID 19 pandemic has been one of the most challenging global situations our human race has endured in recent memory.
While this has been true of the human family as a whole around the world, it has been even more so for families living with the particular challenges that are associated with mental illness. A recent report in the Lancet indicates an increase in disruptions in access to mental health supports, coupled with an increase in need has placed many countries in a challenging space to deal with the mental health fallout of this pandemic.
And yet, as discussed at our support meeting last month, many members of our group have experienced surprising graces. We have had more quality time together as families, we are learning to listen and respond in healthier ways, and access to virtual supports has continued to provide coping tools.
In all of this, I know I have been and continue to be grateful for the prayers of this group as well as the ability to gather in safe ways to share our joys and our struggles with other caregivers who understand this journey we have found ourselves on.
This is why we have begun to more publically promote our monthly small group sessions. Bulletin announcements advertising our monthly meetings have been sent to parishes as well as personal letters to pastors explaining our ministry and inviting them to share our ads as well as contact information with individuals and families who may be in need of support.
I would encourage all of you to help spread the word as well. One in five families in our neighbourhoods and parishes are dealing with mental health challenges in the home. One in five caregivers are finding themselves in need of some form of support.
Sharing is easy. Like our
Facebook Page and share our ads and posts in your own feeds. Encourage your pastors to share our bulletin ads in their parishes and on their websites; share resources found on our
Emmaus Family Support Blog, and feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone who you feel might find it useful.
As we enter into these final weeks of 2020, I continue to pray for all of you and those whom you love.
Peace and God Bless,
Deacon Eric