Mental Health Roundtable in Rome Highlights Church's Role Amid Growing Awareness

The discussion opened with remarks from Deacon Ed Shoener, CMHM president, and was moderated by journalist Andrea Sarubbi. Two panels focused on key issues related to mental health. The first panel, “Stigma, Welcome, and Safe Spaces,” featured participants including Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, clinical psychologist Father Bryan Duggan, psychiatrist Samuelle Falk, and Father Chilton Fernandez.

Archbishop Gudziak highlighted that social isolation and loneliness are pressing issues, particularly for Ukrainians facing ongoing conflict. He noted that while mental health is no longer a taboo, many still struggle with how to address the subject effectively. He emphasized the importance of small acts of support, fostering a sense of love and acceptance.

Father Duggan pointed out that the language used to discuss mental health needs to shift from viewing those with disorders as ‘them,’ highlighting that healing extends beyond clinical treatment to encompass community and relational recovery. Falk shared alarming statistics showing that 57% of young adults experience anxiety, with suicide being a leading cause of death in that demographic, indicating a profound sense of isolation.

The second panel, “Who Cares for Those Who Care? Building Bridges and Fostering Integration,” included speakers such as Thomas Schulze, Wendell Callahan, Sister Grimaneza Guaya, psychiatrist Victor Pereira-Sanchez, and humanitarian expert Márcio Gagliat. Schulze pointed out the distance that often exists between mental health professionals and the spiritual community, advocating for guidelines that define how the Church can support mental health initiatives.

Callahan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that psychological practices should align with the recognition of human dignity that the Church promotes. Sister Guaya discussed the need for a complementary relationship between psychological care and spiritual faith, noting that spiritual integration can enhance therapeutic effectiveness.

Focusing on creative solutions, Pereira-Sanchez called for a multifaceted approach to mental health challenges, while Gagliat introduced the idea of reciprocal care, where individual well-being contributes to the well-being of the community.

Deacon Shoener, on the sidelines of the meeting, remarked that more than 20% of the global population is affected by mental health issues, often leading to marginalization. He stressed the Church's potential to address these needs by helping individuals find meaning in their lives. He also noted that mental health training is often lacking in clergy education.

The conference included a tour of the Church of the Gesù complex and a Mass at the Church of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. Further activities were planned for October 10, including visits to related foundations and a press conference.