Let people in your congregation or on your Pastoral Care Team know when a person has been hospitalized with a mental illness just as they would communicate about people suffering from other illnesses. Do not assume that because it is a mental person, that person or their family does not want visitors.
A hospitalization for a mental illness is a traumatic time for the person and his or her family. It is an important time for ministerial presence. As with any major disease, the person and family will have questions about God, faith and "why me." Pastoral presence and support will help them to understand and accept.
Some Sound Advice When a Person Has a Mental Illness, 
When a Person Has Cancer,
Visit them in the hospital or at home
Offer prayers for them at services
Take them a meal
Listen and give moral support
Learn more about the illness
Visit them in the hospital or at home
Offer prayers for them at services
Take them a meal
Listen and give moral support
Learn more about the illness
