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How can religious leaders take care of their mental health?

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Bright abstract illustration of coronavirus, medication, a brain and a sad looking man and woman.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health of religious clergy in particular?(Getty/Dr After123)

Religious clergy are supposed to provide comfort in times of crisis, which raises questions about who comforts the comforters. Today on God Forbid, James and the panel take a look at the wellbeing of faith leaders amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this episode:

Australia has been in some form of lockdown since March this year, although restrictions are easing in most states. How have people of faith been coping with the physical separation – at the communal and sacramental level?

Hinduism is the fastest growing religion in Australia. How do concepts like reincarnation and karma play into a Hindu view of mental health?

In what ways does clericalism affect the Catholic church? And what are its effects on the mental health of priests, and the congregation at large?

More Information

If you’ve been struggling with the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, bushfires and drought, you can find resources and programs that might help on the ABC Homepage. This episode is part of Your Mental Health week, starting 5 July 2020 right across the ABC.

If you need support, please call: Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Listen to Psychologist Professor Alex Haslam’s full conversation with RN’s Hilary Harper here.

Hear Psychologist Narmatha Thillainathan speak to Kerry Stewart on this episode of Enounter.

Listen to Mary McAleese, former President of Ireland speak with RN’s Andrew West on this episode of The Religion and Ethics Report.

Guests:

Pauline Connelly is the Deputy Director of Centacare Catholic Family Services, part of the Adelaide Archdiocese. She’s also a regular on ABC Radio Adelaide where she covers relationship and life issues.

Pandit Ramachandra Athreiya is the President of the Australian Council of Hindu Clergy. He’s a Pandit – or scholar/teacher serving the Sydney community, and has studied in temples and under venerable priests across Nepal and India.

Presenter:

James Carleton

Producers:

Rohan Salmond/ Hong Jiang

Broadcast 
Religion, Hinduism, COVID-19, Community and Society, Health
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