The Pastoral Care of People with Mental Health Problems

by Marion L.S. Carson

As a minister or pastoral worker it is highly likely that, at some stage in your ministry, you will find yourself caring for people with psychiatric problems and their families. "The Pastoral Care of People with Mental Health Problems" provides an invaluable resource to help you provide the best care for those suffering from the most common problems, such depression, Alzheimer's disease, anorexia, addiction to drugs or alcohol, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anti-social personality disorder.As well as outlining the main psychiatric conditions and their treatments, the particular issues facing pastoral workers are examined and some of the ethical issues involved are discussed. Using a wealth of pastoral illustrations, the book offers practical advice and guidance for the care of individuals and families who find their lives turned upside down by psychiatric illness. It addresses questions such How can I help the family of a young girl who cuts herself? What is the difference between depression and an abnormal grief reaction? And how can I distinguish between a symptom of mental illness and genuine religious revelation? In cases of severe mental illness it will be necessary to work alongside medical, nursing and social work staff, and guidance on how to do this effectively is given.

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 22, 2008

Reviews

[Adele Pilkington · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author reflects on the spectrum of mental health issues from the perspective of a health care provider, and pastoral support both in higher education and in church communities. The book is clearly and honestly written and provides a useful resource both for those who act as carers and those who wish to be accepted by society for who they are rather than the label they may have been given.