Bishop Conley preaching at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ / Ed Malk
CV NEWS FEED // In light of Mental Health Awareness Month, the bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, shared his own struggles with mental health and recommendations for cultivating a healthy mind, reminding the faithful that they are not alone.
Bishop James Conley shared in a May 9 column in the diocesan newspaper, the Southern Nebraska Register, that he openly talks about his personal battle with his mental health to reduce the stigma surrounding it. He also referenced his pastoral letter, “A Future with Hope,” that he wrote on mental health last year, in which he explained that he took a leave of absence from his episcopal duties between 2019 and 2020 to pursue healing. He was able to resume them in November 2020.
>> Catholic bishop shares personal mental health journey to encourage Catholics <<
In his May 9 column, Bishop Conley said that his anxiety and depression recently came back, which he is overcoming with therapy, prayer, the support of friends, and a small amount of medication.
“Interestingly, I experienced a huge lift on the feast of the Annunciation March 25, when I renewed my total consecration to Mary,” he wrote. “And so I have been reminded of the delicate interplay between our spiritual and psychological/emotional lives. While we can’t pray ourselves out of mental health struggles, it is essential that we hold onto our prayer and cling to the sacraments when we are going through a mental health challenge.”
He shared his own favorite remedies for mental health challenges, stating that prayer is “non-negotiable, most especially when it’s hard,” and recommending walks or encounters with nature every day.
“Even if it’s just a walk around the block, there’s something about experiencing nature and being attentive to the beauty around us that is healing for the soul,” he said, recommending walks and time in the sun over time spent on screens in the mornings.
He also emphasized the necessity of sleeping and eating well and enjoying the creative works of other people, whether books, artwork, music, or poetry.
“Community is also crucial,” he added. “Everyone is fighting a great battle in this world and is struggling with something, even if that fight isn’t always obvious, so we need to provide community for others while also receiving it from them. No one should ever have to struggle alone, and I know how much pain this causes for those who feel detached and isolated.”
He later affirmed the necessity of allowing Jesus to see vulnerabilities and assist with healing.
“What we can be always sure of — no matter what is happening in our lives — is that we are not alone. You are not alone!” he wrote. “God knows your suffering intimately and wants to walk with you through it.”
“So I’d like to end this column with a prayer: Lord, help us to recognize that you are always with us and to reach out for help when we’re struggling. Send your grace into our hearts, that we might also serve others who are [in] need of your love and healing. Help us all to move toward the holiness and happiness for which you created us.”
