This year the Bishops of Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales have decided to devote the Day for Life to an important aspect of health care, namely mental health.

The duty to support and promote the common good is a fundamental obligation on everyone in society. On the Day for Life 2008, we remember that an important aspect of this duty, which is shared by every citizen, is the duty to promote the mental health of every member of our society and, in particular, that of our local communities. It seems fair to say that while we recognise the importance of mental health, as individuals and as communities, our awareness of our duty to promote it is not as marked as it should be.

Promoting mental health in society takes a number of forms. The first of these is vigilance. Each one of us has a duty to do all that we can to ensure that the attitudes, practises and culture prevailing in our society are all conducive to the promotion of mental health. Therefore, for example, the issue of mental health within a family is an issue for every member of that family. This is true also at community, national international levels.

Vigilance at a personal level is also important. Each one of us has a duty to take care of our mental health. This is achieved through a good balance between work and recreation, between the social aspects of our lives and the private, as well as between the spiritual side of our nature and that of the temporal. One of the frequent issues in society is the fact that mental and emotional illness is not always recognised by the sufferer. It is estimated, for example, that only about a quarter of those suffering from depression receive any form of treatment. Early detection is seen as important in every aspect of illness. This includes our mental health as well.

As citizens, each of us has a duty to care. This duty extends to those who may appear to be suffering from stress, strain or pressure. While this duty is carried out in a sensitive, non judgmental manner, nonetheless we need to be aware of the often unspoken needs of those around us; helping them to see their need for care.

Many people in our society, unfortunately, suffer from ill health, both physical and mental. Just as there is no stigma associated with those who suffer from ill health at a physical level neither should those who suffer mental health problems lack the support of family, friends and the professions.

There are very many categories of illnesses which affect the working of the mind. Depression, for example, assumes many forms and many degrees of severity. Thankfully, for much of the time, people can be nursed back to mental health through the care of their families, the support of the community and, when appropriate, medical care and counselling. The support of family and the community can ensure that dependence on medical care can be greatly reduced when those who suffer have families who love and understand them and a community that is prepared to be vigilant and care for them. It is very important, therefore, for every one in society to have a positive attitude towards mental health and, in particular, to create within society an awareness of the fact that ill health in this area does not necessarily have to be lifelong or excluding.

Issues, such as the abuse of alcohol, dependency on drugs and addictions of a variety of kinds, can lead to ill health It is important to remember that if left unattended for some time they can undermine mental health as well.

The Bishops remind all of us of our duty with regard to mental health. They reaffirm that what is true of citizens is ever truer of Christians. They offer their prayerful support to those who are suffering from ill health and to those who are caring for them. It is their earnest desire that the public awareness of our duty to support this aspect of the common good would be raised. At a time of economic uncertainty, in particular, it is important for us to ensure that those among the most vulnerable in our society are not neglected. Charitable and Governmental support for all the agencies that work for the promotion of mental health and the care of those with ill health must continue the excellent work which is done in this area. However, it must also be remembered that while much progress has been made in recent decades, work in this area must continue with great seriousness.

In the Gospels Christ shows his constant care for those “who labour and who are overburdened”. In so doing so, in particular, he assures us of his deep care for those who suffer from problems relating to mental health. By turning to him in faith and prayer miracles of grace and healing are often worked for those who suffer from ill health. Prayerful support of those who care about the mental health of every member of the community also assists in this great work of Christian concern. On the Day for Life 2008 we are offered an opportunity to reflect on and take stock of the issue of mental health in our society.

Information on this issue can be found in the Day for Life worldwide web: www.dayforlife.org. It is also available on the pamphlet which has been made available through the parishes.