by Barbara F. Meyers (Author)
In Held: Showing Up for Each Other's Mental Health, community minister and mental health advocate Barbara F. Meyers illustrates how members of liberal religious congregations can be supportive to those living with mental health problems, and their loved ones, in our congregations and society at large. Meyers addresses the fundamental elements of spiritual support--truth, hope, presence, acceptance, encouragement, authenticity, public witness, and pastoral care--with stories from real life situations and suggestions for how parishioners can provide and advocate for support in their congregations. A study guide for congregations and a list of resources for more information round out this thoughtful and necessary resource.
Author Biography
Rev. Barbara F. Meyers is a Unitarian Universalist community minister whose ministry focuses on mental health issues, affiliated with Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Fremont, California. She works as assistant director of Life Reaching Across to Life, a peer-support mental health center in Fremont. She is the author of The Caring Congregation Handbook and Training Manual--Resources for Welcoming and Supporting Those with Mental Disorders and their Families into Our Congregations and has produced a public access TV show, Mental Health Matters.