U.S. Bishops Release Video for Mental Health Awareness Month "No Shame in Asking for Help" with Bishop Keith Chylinski

Most Reverend Keith J. Chylinski, an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (consecrated March 7, 2024), frequently collaborates with the USCCB on mental health initiatives. In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, Bishop Keith Chylinski—who brings a unique perspective as both a priest and a student of clinical psychology—shares a reflection on the vital intersection of faith and mental wellness. In the following message, he invites us to look past the stigma of mental illness and embrace a holistic vision of healing that honors both the soul and the mind.
Resources from the USCCB:
National Catholic Mental Health Campaign: usccb.org/mental-health
Healing and Hope initiative: usccb.org/healing-and-hope
Find a Catholic mental health minister: catholicmhm.org

Faith, Science, and the Whole Person: A Message for Mental Health Awareness

As a priest, I have been deeply blessed to study clinical psychology. Throughout my journey, I discovered a profound truth: the more I studied the human mind, the more my faith grew. We are created as a sacred union of body and soul, and the way we care for one inevitably affects the other.

Breaking the Stigma

Too often, mental health challenges are met with fear or shame. However, it is essential to remember that God loves the whole person. He does not distinguish between our spiritual needs and our emotional wounds. As members of the Church, we are called to reach out to those who are struggling with the same compassion Christ shows us.

A Multitude of Paths to Healing

There is immense hope to be found today. We find it in:

• The Lord: The ultimate source of healing and presence.

• Medical Science: A gift from God that provides biological support.

• Psychotherapy: The incredible advancements in clinical care over the last 50 years.

You Are Never Alone

There is no shame in asking for help. Whether you are navigating a season of stress or a chronic illness, the Church and the profession of psychotherapy offer powerful tools for recovery. The Lord desires for you to be healthy—mind, body, and soul.

No matter what you are going through or how deep the suffering may feel, know that in Christ, there is always hope. You are a precious child of God, and you do not have to walk this path alone.