• The suicide of Rev. Dennis Conway has prompted the Archdiocese of Dubuque to increase its focus on mental health awareness and support.
• The church is working to dismantle stigma surrounding mental illness, with leaders openly discussing mental health struggles.
• New initiatives include psychological testing for future priests, mental health task forces, and integrating faith into mental health treatment plans.

The death of Rev. Dennis Conway by suicide in November has spurred significant conversations and actions within the Catholic Church, specifically the Archdiocese of Dubuque, regarding mental health. This tragic event has highlighted the need to address the stigma surrounding mental illness and provide better support systems for both clergy and parishioners. The church is now actively promoting mental health awareness, offering resources, and integrating faith into mental health treatment.

• What: Increased focus on mental health awareness and support within the Catholic Church following a priest's suicide, including new support strategies and integration of faith into treatment.
• Who: Archdiocese of Dubuque, Archbishop Thomas Zinkula, Rev. Aaron Junge, Rev. Dennis Conway (deceased), Catholic mental health therapists, US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
• When: The increased focus began after Rev. Conway's death in November of the previous year and is ongoing, with initiatives planned for the future.
• Where: Primarily within the Archdiocese of Dubuque in Iowa, but also with broader implications for the Catholic Church in the United States.

The suicide of Rev. Dennis Conway served as a catalyst for the Catholic Church to address the longstanding stigma surrounding mental illness. The church's response demonstrates a shift towards greater openness, understanding, and proactive support for mental wellness. The integration of faith into mental health treatment is a significant development, offering a holistic approach that addresses both the psychological and spiritual needs of individuals. The USCCB's National Catholic Mental Health Campaign further underscores the growing importance of this issue within the church.

Based on correspondence near the time of his death, Father Dennis clearly was suffering from an acute mental health crisis.

The more we can just be honest about it and more transparent rather [than] try and hide these kinds of things, it doesn’t help, I don’t think, in the long run.

The field of psychotherapy is a traditionally very secular field, and the doctrine of our faith around suffering... all of that is missing from what we think of when we think of the world of psychotherapy and mental health care.

The Catholic Church is taking meaningful steps to address mental health challenges within its community. While the impetus for this change was a tragic event, the resulting initiatives, including increased awareness, support systems, and integration of faith, offer hope for a more compassionate and understanding approach to mental wellness within the church. The ongoing efforts of the Archdiocese of Dubuque and the USCCB demonstrate a commitment to fostering a culture of openness and support for those struggling with mental health issues.