Dual Diagnosis - Mental Health Support

By Deacon John Bundra

According to the people manning the call centers for abuse and suicide, domestic abuse calls have increased significantly as have the calls that our first responders are taking for suicide. I don’t know if I am surprised by these facts or not. I do know that I am saddened by it. This trend would indicate that more and more people have a feeling of despair and hopelessness. As time goes on through this pandemic these feelings will only intensify.

I would also believe that the incidence of addiction and or digressing from sobriety has also increased. It should be no surprise that there is a correlation between addiction and mental illness. It is called Dual Diagnosis. You have one person and two problems. Experts in the field tell us that integrated treatment is essential. If you don’t treat them together you can’t beat either. 

In the article last week, I gave you a website www.MyConnectionNEW.org that you can go to find resources for mental illness and substance abuse. If you or someone you know suffers from dual diagnosis, please use this resource to get help.

As Catholic Christians we believe in the power of intercessory prayer. I can’t tell you how many times I have asked St. Peregrine to intercede for someone I know with cancer or to St. Lucy for someone with eyesight issues.

The Patron Saint for people with Mental Health or Nervous Disorders is St. Dymphna. Her Feast Day is May 15.

Prayer in honor of St. Dymphna

Lord Jesus Christ, you have willed that St. Dymphna should be invoked as the patroness of nervous and mental disease. Grant that, through the prayers of this youthful martyr of purity, those who suffer from nervous and mental illness may be helped and consoled. Be pleased to hear the prayer of St. Dymphna and of Your Blessed Mother. I recommend to You in particular (mention those you wish to pray for). Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

The Patron Saint for people with addiction is

St. Maximilian Kolbe. His Feast Day is August 14.

Prayer in honor of St. Maximilian Kolbe

I come to you who suffered pain and torture for sheltering 3000 Polish refugees in your monastery, you who offered your labor in a concentration camp for those who died by an injection of a deadly drug. I ask for your intercession for (mention name of person here) to be freed of this addiction and to find bodily and spiritual healing. Bless (name of person) and my loved ones. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray for an end to the pandemic. Seek help if you or someone you know needs help. Put your trust in God.