Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

Appendix B. A Tool to Evaluate When a Priest Requires Assistance

260. At the end of initial formation, diocesan bishops and their dele gates generally know their priests and can provide them with appropriate support and guidance. However, over time everyone experiences the accu mulative effect of various pressures that affect physical, psychological, and spiritual health. The key is to recognize and cope with stressors, so that their impact may be negligible.

A PRIEST’S HEALTH INVENTORY

261. This inventory invites a priest to comment as needed within five areas: physical health, emotional health, social support, ministerial environ ment, and spiritual health.

PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

262. Eating: Eating too much or too little is not uncommon with a mood problem, such as anxiety, depression, or general difficulty with modulating emotions. Two key issues to evaluate are (a) the percentage of weight lost or gained unintentionally and (b) the loss of control over eating decisions. A 5 to 10 percent change in weight can indicate depression or significant anxiety. Sleeping: Although the need for sleep varies greatly, a priest who consistently gets an hour or two more or less than is normal (for that person) or who struggles with falling asleep or staying asleep might have a mood disorder. In addition, people who regularly self-medicate to sleep often need referral. 263.