Contact Us Today at CarDonationCC . org or 1 ( 866 ) 565-5912 movement . One key member of this group , Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia ( D-Coachella ) says , “ We are not talking about the extinction of polar bears … We are talking about people who can ’ t breathe .”
14
COMMUNITY
April 25 , 2017 | The Valley Catholic
Understanding the Role Religion and Spirituality Play on Mental Health
By Lauren Olaiz , MPH , community mental health relations coordinator at El Camino Hospital |
|
|
Our spirituality and religious beliefs begin to develop in childhood and continue to evolve throughout life . They can help guide our decision making and impact many cultural and social aspects of life . Most importantly , our beliefs can also have a profound influence on mental health and well-being .
Spirituality and religion often provide a sense of security and social structure and those beliefs can be a strong coping mechanism through trying times . Being an active member of a close-knit religious community can provide structure , support and sense of
|
|
|
|
acceptance , all of which are beneficial to mental health . The connectedness of a group can make people feel welcomed and valued . There are also certain life circumstances or situations that can challenge faith connections and beliefs . This can include chronic illness , loss of a loved one , or even feelings of rejection during times of change . It ’ s during these trying times that individuals may look outside of their faith group or to trusted spiritual leaders for guidance on how to navigate the situation and maintain mental well-being .
In fact , in times of crisis , many will turn to trusted religious leaders in their communities before they turn to mental health professionals . It is important to know that there are professionals in the mental health field who ask about
|
their patient ’ s personal beliefs and will discuss how to use that information to support well-being . Choosing a mental health professional who is committed to learning about a patient ’ s beliefs is not only a sign of a provider with an understanding of cultural competence but an indication that the provider understands that each of us has a unique source of strength and resilience that can be fostered . Some people specifically look for a professional of the same religious background .
Faith and spiritual leaders are a crucial resource for their community to provide mental health education , increase awareness of mental health conditions and to provide support in connecting congregation members to resources in the community for help .
|
Possessing the skills , knowing the resources and creating an ethical framework for advocating for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions are key for playing a pivotal role in improving the overall mental health of the community .
The Diocese of San Jose is co-hosting a conference titled , “ Journeying Together : Faith , Spirituality & Mental Health ” on Wednesday , May 20 from 9 a . m . – 4 p . m . at Santa Clara University to provide support to end the discrimination of mental health conditions and silence in faith communities . A variety of speakers will be present to discuss mental health topics of interest and will share information on how to educate and advocate for your community . Register online at www . dsj . org / SMH .
|
The New Fighters for Environmental Justice
By A . W . Strawa
A new group of Californian lawmakers are focusing on the effects that pollutants have on human health and environmental justice .
The San Jose Mercury News recently published an article highlighting the ‘ new Californian environmentalists .’ ( See San Jose Mercury News , April 2 , 2017 .) These lawmakers are joining with climate change activists to change the dialogue of the local environmental
Donating Your Vehicle Rebuilds Hope
Vehicle Donations Support Catholic Charities ’ Refugee Resettlement Program
Free Towing • Fast & Easy • 100 % Tax Deductible
Contact Us Today at CarDonationCC . org or 1 ( 866 ) 565-5912 movement . One key member of this group , Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia ( D-Coachella ) says , “ We are not talking about the extinction of polar bears … We are talking about people who can ’ t breathe .”
It is appropriate for these groups to be allies since there are well-documented links between increasing disease and climate change as discussed in a Scientific American article . According to a Harvard Medical School report , climate change over the coming decades is likely to increase rates of allergies , asthma , heart disease and cancer , among other illnesses .
These new environmentalists are buoyed by growing support in the poorer , minority communities they represent , communities that have traditionally been more afraid of the economic impact of environmental regulation . They are beginning to realize that pollution takes an enormous toll on human health and the economy . A Rand study conservatively estimated that failing to meet federal clean air standards caused nearly 30,000 hospital admissions and ER visits throughout California and cost more than $ 193 million over the period 2005 – 2007 . This is only the cost of air pollution and does not include the effects of tainted water . Nor do these numbers reflect lost time and productivity caused by pollution .
This is a movement that we as Catholics should support whole-heartedly and have been supporting for many years . Recently the Catholic Climate Covenant and other religious organizations urged the Trump administration to embrace their “ duty to protect the environment ” because not doing so will have effects on human health as
well as abandon our role as stewards of God ’ s Creation .
Despite these pleas , the new federal administration is moving at light speed to undo 50 years of environmental protections in the name of a more favorable business climate . At the same time the administration is defunding the scientific studies and monitoring that can show the disastrous effects of their short-sighted policy ( You can read more about these policy changes in this National Geographic article .) In fact , the opposite can be true . The combination of high economic growth and environmental-friendly policy in California over the last several years demonstrates that good environmental policy need not compromise legitimate economic progress . ( See California Economy and Climate Policy .)
In his Encyclical , “ Laudato Si ’: On Care for our Common Home ,” Pope Francis asks , “ What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us , to children who are now growing up ?” He calls us to “ participate in public life ” and “ work for the common good .” As Christians and moral people of good will , we should support these legislators and work to see that good environmental policies remain strong throughout the nation .
A . W . Strawa , Co-Chair Catholic Green Initiative Office of Social Ministries for the Diocese of San Jose . Visit www . dsj . org / social-ministry for more information .