Walking together through mental health struggles and suicide

By Cari Moodie, RN

Saint Alphonsus Health System

For the ICR

For those who are carrying the heaviness of anxiety, depression or thoughts of suicide, please know this: You are not alone, and you are deeply loved by God and your Church.

In 2023, 457 Idahoans died by suicide, with the State’s rate approximately 1.6 times the national average. Idaho has the fourth-highest suicide rate in the United States (Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, 2026).

Nationally, more than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023, making it the second-leading cause of death for ages 10-14 and 25-34, second only to accidents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025).

Anxiety, depression and insomnia that may lead to suicidality are affecting families, neighborhoods, schools and churches. This reality touches people of every faith and socioeconomic background. It is a serious and heartbreaking issue in our community.

Cari Moodie, RN

In light of these statistics, hope for a brighter future begins with each of us. Psalm 62:6-7 tells us: “My soul, be at rest in God alone, from whom comes my hope. God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not fall.”

As Catholics, we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves, especially in times of struggle. By seeking professional support, checking in with one another and ourselves, strengthening healthy habits such as stress reduction and proper nutrition, and seeking spiritual guidance, we can foster deeper connection and compassion.

In doing so, we help one another feel seen, supported and loved—ultimately enhancing our quality of life. Together, we can make a difference, one by one. As St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “Just begin one at a time. One, one, one. If I had not picked up that first person dying on the street, I would not have picked up the thousands of others later on” (Praying with Mother Teresa: Prayers, Insights, and Wisdom of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Marian Press, 2016, p. 39).

“You can’t pray yourself out of this,” Bishop James D. Conley told Our Sunday Visitor News. “We are body and soul, and grace builds upon nature.”

This quote is from Bishop Conley’s pastoral letter “A Future With Hope,” written after his experience with severe anxiety and depression. In the same message, he explains that sharing his journey is meant to help others who feel lost in deep emotional or spiritual pain.

A Catholic vision of hope and human dignity

The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers is a national resource. The Diocese of Boise has established an Idaho chapter aligned with its mission, which states: “The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers is a lay association of the Christian faithful whose members are called to be a healing presence in the lives of people with mental illness and their families. Members see Christ in those who live with mental illness.

“Members practice a ministry of service and presence; like the Good Samaritan (Lk10:30-37), they do not look the other way or walk past those living with mental illness but instead pour the oil and wine of the Gospel into their lives” (Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, 2026). You are invited to learn more and consider joining this ministry.

How to put evidence-based support in action: SOS — Signs of Suicide

One accessible, evidence-based suicide prevention program is Signs of Suicide (SOS), developed by MindWise Innovations.

Research shows the SOS program can reduce suicide attempts by up to 64% among middle and high school students.

Its ACT model—Acknowledge, Care, Tell—can be integrated into parish programs, youth ministry, school partnerships and parent education.

In 2015, the SOS program was introduced in Catholic schools throughout the Treasure Valley. Since then, more than 5,800 students have been taught the ACT model. As students and adults have learned to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately, many young people whose depression might otherwise have gone unnoticed have been identified and connected with professional help. Lives have been saved.

In addition to its success in schools, the program can be implemented in parishes through religious education. It may be offered in a single session led by trained adults. The curriculum includes versions for middle school and high school students, as well as gatekeeper training for adults. Readers are invited to attend the SOS breakout session at the spring conference to learn more about this program.

Crisis resources

If you or someone you encounter is experiencing a crisis, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

“The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States and its territories” (988 Lifeline, 2026).

If you or someone you encounter is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Prayers of the faithful

St. Dymphna is the patron saint of those suffering from mental illness and her intercession is a source of hope.

Good St. Dymphna, great wonder-worker in every affliction of mind and body, I humbly implore your powerful intercession with Jesus through Mary, Health of the Sick. May all people suffering from mental distress be filled with the Lord’s peace and comfort. St. Dymphna, martyr of purity and patron of those who suffer from mental afflictions, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray for us.

Cari Moodie, RN, is a faith community nurse and mental health advocate serving as health ministry coordinator with Saint Alphonsus Health System in the Treasure Valley. She collaborates with the Diocese of Boise to support parish health ministries and promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention.