The purpose of this Guidebook is two fold: First to provide essential steps to those who are helping others cope with mental illness and second, to assist clergy in organizing support for those with mental illness. When needed, clergy can organize and oversee nonprofessional support given to those with mental illness.

Mental illnesses are diseases. Clergy are always advised to encourage those with mental illness to seek help from mental health professionals.

Nonprofessionals closely assisting a person to cope with mental illness are referred to as caregivers. A caregiver is a person who has good judgment, good relationship skills, spirituality and the ability to give support to someone with a mental illness. Whenever possible a capable family member should be the primary caregiver. A member of the congregation or family friend can also be a caregiver. The caregiver regularly communicates with clergy. Caregivers are not always necessary when the person has a less severe mental illness or when the person has the ability to seek and effectively work with a mental health professional.

The booklet has three parts. First, is a Checklist For Clergy. This is a simple list of goals to assist clergy in monitoring a caregiver’s progress through the Guidebook steps. Second is the Guide For Caregivers. This Guide provides steps and necessary information for a caregiver to help someone cope with mental illness. The last section is the Appendix. The Appendix contains resources for the caregiver including: Principles for Interviewing, Handouts, and List of Resources. The steps in this Guidebook can be completed at any pace.

WARNING:

IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ARE SUSPECTED: CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT, EXPLOITATION OF DISABLED OR ELDERLY PEOPLE, OR ANY THREAT TO HARM SELF OR OTHERS, CONSULT WITH SUPERVISORY SPIRITUAL LEADERS AND REPORT TO LEGAL AUTHORITIES.