This year, because of COVID-19 and the inequalities it has exacerbated, adults are reporting considerably higher mental stress. According to the CDC, “younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers reported having experienced disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and elevated suicidal ideation.”

The degree and types of suffering is immense, and we may not understand its full ramifications for years. But what can we do today to help ease our anguish and the stress of those around us? Particularly as people of faith, how do we hold to hope and not despair?

From sadness and anger to depression and suicidal thoughts, this series will help pastors and individuals understand and better cope with the heightened stress this year has brought.

• What happens to us individually when we experience prolonged stress? How can we help others cope with prolonged stress?
• Relationships change under duress. How do we build resiliency and not brokenness during this time?
• Caregiving – whether paid, unpaid, or pastoral – has become more difficult. What are the effects and treatments for compassion fatigue?
• What can we learn and how do we heal from the moral injury that living everyday with headlines of inequality and pain causes?

Please join our therapeutic and pastoral experts as we discuss the practical and spiritual disciplines needed for surviving this season.