HELPING INDIVIDUALS COPE: MENTAL ILLNESS

CHECKLIST FOR CLERGY

Determine the individual’s needs.

Review the table Indicators of Mental Illness on page 7. Look for signs from this table that the individual may have. If the individual has one or more signs proceed to the next step. If the behavior is life threatening immediately call local authorities.

Decide on clergy’s role.

Decide on the level of involvement clergy will have. Caregivers may be assigned to assist the clergy in proceeding through the Guidebook steps. Whenever possible a capable family member should be the primary caregiver. A member of the congregation or family friend can also be a caregiver. Monitor caregivers progress by using the following checklist. If the clergy is going to be the only caregiver the checklist can be adapted for personal use.

Meet with the caregiver.

Teach the caregiver to help the person cope with mental illness by using the Guidebook.

	Give the caregiver a copy of this Guidebook.
	Assign the caregiver to read the Guidebook and follow the steps in the section Guide for Caregivers.
	Establish a regular meeting time for clergy and the assigned caregiver.

Inform the person with mental illness about the assigned caregiver.

Tell the person that the caregiver will be assisting clergy. The clergy’s personal involvement will be on the as needed basis.

Follow-up with the assigned caregiver by reviewing the following steps:

Step 1: Understanding mental illness and determining the need for professional help.

	Has the person and family received the handout Mental Illnesses Are Brain Disorders?
	Has the caregiver given reading assignments from the table Information About Mental Illness to the person with mental illness and the family?
	Is there a need for a mental health professional? If so, has an appointment been made?

Step 2: Working with professionals and community resources.

	If the person with mental illness is able to follow through and communicate about mental health services proceed to Strengthen the Individual’s Recovery.
	If not, has another responsible person made arrangements to talk with the professional?
	Have Strengthen the Individual’s Recovery activities been initiated? Are these activities being monitored?
	Is the person’s family involved?
	Has the person and family been taught about God’s love and individual worth?

Step 3: Dealing with lack of progress.

If there is lack of progress, discuss alternative interventions.

If person and family are doing well, reduce contact.