Incorporate into regular Eucharistic Prayers for the People specific prayers for those suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, etc. This lets the people in your Faith Community know that the community prays for and cares about people with mental illnesses. This is an important matter that concerns everyone. These prayers send a welcoming message to those who have mental illnesses and to their family members--the message that their community supports and loves them.
In any communication concerning persons with mental illnesses, be sure that you use what is commonly referred to as "people first language."
