This episode discusses mature topics surrounding mental health and includes a mention of suicidal ideation. If you are in crisis, please call, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text or chat with the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Sister Josephine welcomes her first guest of Season 2, Christian Bentley, to discuss his experience living with bipolar disorder. Christian shares his journey through the highs and lows of the illness, his struggles with suicidal thoughts, and the stigma surrounding mental health. He emphasizes the importance of self acceptance, faith, and the sacrament of confession in managing his condition. With personal anecdotes and profound wisdom, Christian offers hope and encouragement to others living with mental health challenges.

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. To learn more, click here.

Links:

• Christian Bentley's Instagram
• Pastoral Response to Persons with Mental Illness
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
• Gaudium et spes, "On the Church in the Modern World" encyclical
• Pastoral Response to Persons with Mental Illness
• From “Mean Girl” to Saint, the story of Hyacintha
• Saints who confronted suicidal thoughts
• National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, USCCB Introductory Statements
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text "HELLO" to 741741 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• Crisis Text Line (USA): Text "HELLO" to 741741 https://www.crisistextline.org/

This episode is sponsored by Catholic Charities USA. Help Catholic Charities serve your neighbors in need by joining us at www.WeAreThere.US.

Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.

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Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/