According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 1 in 5 adults have experienced a mental illness in the past year. Certainly, struggles with mental health are a part of every faith community, one that needn't be feared or stigmatized any further than we have already allowed. How does music serve to support us in these struggles? How can we accompany one another better?

In light of the month of mental health awareness, join us for this conversation about music and mental health as these two musicians and faithful people wrestle with their own diagnoses and belovedness in God's sight. And maybe take a moment, step back, and allow ourselves to ask: how are we doing, really?

Bio: Fr. Stuart Wilson-Smith, CSP (Fr. Stu) was ordained for the Paulists in 2017 and soon after began his first assignment in campus ministry at The Ohio State University. He most recently served as Associate Pastor of Old St. Mary’s Church in Chicago. Before entering the Paulists, Fr. Stu studied history and philosophy at the University of Toronto, backpacked abroad, and worked as a drummer and singer-songwriter, both of which he still enjoys today.

Born and raised in the Maritime region of Canada, Fr. Stu has felt blessed to serve the last decade as a missionary in the United States. Fr. Stu is the assistant director of the University Catholic Center at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Music in this episode:

The music of Stuart Wilson-Smith can be found on Spotify or for purchase here: https://stuartws.bandcamp.com/

O God Behold Your Family Here: https://giamusic.com/resource/o-god-behold-your-family-here-print-g5588