Bishop Richard Moth who has responsibility for the Bishops’ work in support of mental health is inviting people to use social media to reach out to the many people who often suffer with seasonal mental stress during the latter end of January.
Speaking ahead of the third Monday in January, which some regard to be one of the most depressing days in the year, Bishop Richard Moth said:
“At this time of year many people are suffering from a variety of expressions of mental stress. Some will be counting the days and hours until payday, perhaps concerned about debt; others who, having seen family and friends over the Christmas and New Year break, are now facing, once again, loneliness and isolation. Many people are affected by the long dark winter nights or stress at work. All-in-all January can be a very tough month for people.”
“While professional help should always be sought if necessary, for many a simple loving gesture can help to alleviate their immediate symptoms. Twitter, Facebook and SMS offer all of us a free and easy way to send someone a short uplifting message. Do consider those you know who might benefit from contact at the moment, and please don’t leave it there. If you can pay someone a visit, or give them a phone call, don’t hold back. Your little gesture could make all the difference in the world. To help, you may like to share the tweets and prayer that our staff are providing, to signal our care and concern for those who find this time filled with more darkness than light.”
Starting on Monday, for seven days a tweet will be made available daily to offer a little lift for the week ahead. The themes include: You Are Loved; Rest For Your Soul; Asking, Seeking, Finding; Be Not Afraid; God Is Near; Hope; New Life. There will also be material on the Bishops’ Conference Facebook page including a short prayer. The initiative is being offered in partnership with the Bishops’ Conference Mental Health Project and the Home Mission Desk.
Twitter
Follow the initiative tweets: @CatholicEW
Facebook
Expanded material on Facebook: facebook.com/cbcew
