The following is posted with permission from the Sparks of Redemptive Grace website. This prayer guide is available for purchase as a booklet or e-book.
31 days, 31 ways, 2 pray 4 families
By Catherine P. Downing
“Pray for us.” 1 Thessalonians 5:25a ESV
Families who walk alongside their loved ones in the labyrinths of mental illnesses are often hesitant to ask for prayer. They might feel others will judge them or their loved one, offer uninformed advice or initiate the gossip chain. But friends who observe or are aware of their journey don’t necessarily need specific details to pray effectively.
Families ALWAYS need God’s provision for themselves and their loved ones in these areas: Continue reading
The Well Community was formed in 2002 as a faith-based organization. As such, we enjoy the fellowship and support of a number of area churches. Many are involved with The Well in a variety of ways. Their members volunteer; their pastors share messages; their worship teams lead worship; their Sunday school classes provide meals; their budgets include The Well. We are so grateful to them! 
May is Mental Health Awareness month. We want to help you become more informed, not only about severe mental illnesses faced by our members, but also about how the stresses of COVID-19 can impact your mental health and what you can do about it.
The following blog was written by friend of The Well Community, Catherine Downing, at the invitation of Amy Simpson (author of Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church’s Mission) and 
In our increasingly connected world, isolation and loneliness are becoming more and more common. But, they’re especially prevalent struggles for those living with mental illness, and they can have particularly devastating consequences: Both mental health challenges and lack of connection to others increase a person’s risk of suicide. 
Faith communities are often the first places individuals and families turn to when faced with the challenges of mental illness, especially during a crisis. Churches have unique opportunities to minister, not only in times of acute struggle, but in the daily hurdles as well.
Awareness of the truth about mental illnesses is a first step in learning to come alongside those whose lives are impacted by them. Although understanding and acceptance of these conditions are growing, much progress is required before those dealing with serious mental health challenges are met with support and 
It’s hard to overstate the impact that caring family members can have in the lives of individuals dealing with serious mental illnesses. Those living with mental health challenges may engage with their families far more than their mental health care providers, and everyday interactions with parents, children, spouses, siblings and other relatives play a pivotal role in helping them pursue recovery. Below are seven things