Meet the people involved in our Mental Health Ministry.
The reality is that mental health issues affect all members of society in some way, shape or form. It is estimated that one in five Americans over age 18 will experience a mental health problem this year. The impact of the pandemic has shown increased prevalence of adverse mental health outcomes, substance abuse and suicidal ideation in all age groups and all races.
Misunderstandings about mental health can lead to negative attitudes that prevent people from being accepted and supported, and can make it harder for them and their families to get help and lead productive lives in their communities. There is strong evidence that close and caring relationships, supportive communities, and having a personally meaningful spirituality are all powerful factors in promoting mental health, reducing risk and facilitating healing and recovery.
The First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown is responding to this increasingly alarming concern and has recognized the call to walk side by side with our neighbors who are impacted by mental health challenges. To do so, we have completed a mental health survey which will give us insight into the depth and diversity of this issue within our congregation and in our local community. From this understanding we will seek training to become more skillful in understanding the complexities of and provide new way of creating an environment of support and respect for those in distress or struggling with mental health challenges. This training will help build capacity within our church (and potentially our community) to offer hospitality, neighboring, sharing the journey, listening and accompany our neighbors (the 5 basic practices of companionship).
At the heart of a mental health ministry is to welcome those in distress, work towards understanding the struggle, and offer a foundation of spiritual support to promote healing and well-being. Experiencing grace and renewal of life is possible through our efforts to walk side by side with all in distress and struggling.
If you would like to join our Mental Health and Wellness Team please contact us at the office.
Our most recent mental health post is listed here. Other posts are listed at the bottom of this page.When the Season Doesn’t Feel Calm or Bright
Your mental health team offers some tips for managing your mental health during the holidays.
Mental Health Resources
Westchester County Mental Health Association
344 Main Street, Suite 301
Mt. Kisco NY 10549
www.mhawestchester.org
914-345-0700 x. 7303 for information and referrals
Putnam County Mental Health Association
2505 Carmel Ave, Suite 212
Brewster NY 10509
www.mhaputnam.org
845-278-7600
Presbyterian Counseling Center
New York State Alliance on Mental Health
99 Pine Street
Albany NY 12207
www.naminys.org
518-462-2000
www.namiwestchester.org
914-592-5458
www.namiputnam.org
845-363-1478
National Alliance on Mental Health
3803 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100
Arlington VA 22203
www.nami.org
703-524-7600 (main number)
518-462-2000 (in NYS)
Drug Crisis In Our Backyard
16 Fair Street, Carmel NY 10512
845-842-1212
www.drugcrisisinourbackyard.
Gambler’s Anonymous (NYC, Westchester, Rockland & Surrounding Counties)
1-855-222-5542
www.gamblersanonymous.org
National Problem Gambling Hotline
1-800-522-4700
www.ncpgambling.org/chat
Hotline Numbers
Emergency: 911
Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
Nationwide Hotline 988
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.
Crisis Text Line (National Alliance on Mental Illness):
Text NAMI to 741-741
Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ+ Teens:
1-866-488-7386
SAFE (Self-Abuse Finally Ends)
Alternative Information Line
1-800-DONT CUT (355-8288)
Drug Crisis In Our Backyard “HopeLine”:
877-846-7369