No two mental illnesses are the same or should be treated as such, but all are life-altering. When sick with a cold or flu, physical symptoms occur: sniffles, headaches, sore stomachs, a flushed face, a red nose, sallow skin, and so on. Even with more severe illnesses like cancer, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, the signs may be subtler, but when they’re at their most destructive, again, it’s almost unmissable. Physical sickness is hard to hide from the outside world.
It can be much harder to spot mental illness. The symptoms can be sneaky and different from one person to the next. And the person who has a mental illness doesn’t always realize they are suffering or may not want anyone to know. According to the WHO, mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can contribute to his or her community.” Good mental health allows a healthy growth mindset. We can think clearly, cope with stress, and feel good about ourselves.
Poor mental health can be generalized doubts and insecurities or severe mental illness. Mental illness encompasses anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia, addiction - the list is very long.
Mental health is just as crucial as physical health. Though it is a much more invisible struggle, it should be taken just as seriously. This is why May is Mental Health Awareness Month: so that more people can understand this issue that is sweeping our world at an alarming rate. There are ways that we, as Christians, can address mental health in a Christlike manner and raise our awareness of it.
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1. Addressing Misguided Views on Mental Health in Christian Communities
Unfortunately, there are a lot of misplaced negative perspectives about mental health in the church. One of these surviving stigmas is the idea that a person who has a mental illness is to blame for their condition. Do these phrases below sound familiar? Have you heard them or had them said to you?
- “You shouldn’t be depressed or anxious; you have God in your life.”
- “You must not be praying enough.”
- “You need to be reading your Bible more.”
These statements are not helpful. A person struggling with mental health may find it difficult to talk about. It's important to meet them where they are, with Christlike kindness and compassion.
Though it helps to understand the causes of mental illness, researchers believe they have yet to uncover all of the reasons why these illnesses happen. Genetics, brain chemistry, environmental factors, medical conditions, social learning, and brain injury are just a few known causes. Being mentally ill is never the fault of the mentally ill. Mental illness is yet another one of the ailments that we encounter as a result of living in a fallen world, cursed with sin. The fall of humanity ushered in a loss of perfection and the introduction of death and suffering.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
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2. The Power of Kindness in the Midst of a Silent War
There is an old adage that holds profound relevance in the realm of mental health, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” I first encountered this saying at the tender age of fifteen, hanging on a wall at my first job. Its wisdom has stayed with me ever since, and I believe it resonates with the Lord's teachings.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
The most common reason mental illness goes unspotted can be because the person who’s affected doesn't know what they are suffering from, or would prefer not to share. The goal of the church is to break the stigma that keeps those who are suffering from mental illness ashamed and silent. Our job is to come alongside those who are hurting with acceptance and empathy. Some people will prefer to keep to themselves regardless of surrounding support, and that is OKAY. The church isn't just a building, it's us. Christ's followers can stand at the ready to welcome those who suffer with kindness simply by being mindful of the way we speak about mental health and the way we humbly seek counsel and share our experiences.
Remember, we may never fully understand someone's battle, but a simple act of kindness, a show of care, can make a world of difference. It has the potential to brighten someone’s day, to offer a glimmer of hope in their struggle.
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3. Practical Ways to Show Care and Support to Victims of Mental Illness
The first and immediate thing we can do for people who we know or may suspect are suffering from mental illness is pray. Scripture reminds us not to cease praying. It’s the most powerful shield we have. Pray God brings them peace and keeps His hand over them in their darkest hours. Pray that He protects them. Pray for their family and loved ones, that He gives them the right words to say, the right doctors to help, and the right timing and wisdom.
Offer to pick them up for coffee or take a meal to share with them. Never underestimate the value of spending quality time with the people God has placed in our lives. Ask your friends and family how they’re doing, and truly listen to their answers. Be a safe place for co-workers and neighbors to find support and love.
Pray for a heart that is compassionate and understanding. Depression is not the same as sadness. Having anxiety is not the same as being really stressed. Mental illness is not a choice the person made, and it won’t be as simple as choosing to come out of it.
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4. Finding Strength and Solace When Mental Illness Strikes You
I want you to know that you are loved.
You are so, so loved by your Father in Heaven, so much so that He sent down His only son so that you could live with him forever.
You are not alone. Although mental illness is one of the horrors that has come of the fall, understand that it is not your fault. You didn’t do anything for this to happen and this is not your punishment. Free yourself of any of those notions. Be encouraged by that biblical truth.
Some things to do in times of struggle:
- Turn to people you love and trust. They will be your lifeline and help you shoulder your burden.
- Turn to God even in the darkest times. He knows and understands despair, He experienced it Himself on the cross. It echoes across the bible, even in the scripture from Psalm below. He is there for you.
“For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol” Psalm 88:3
- Know that this illness won’t be forever, only God is forever.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18
Jesus is a healer for the body and the soul. Find comfort in His words and know that you are exactly who He came for.
“But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:12-13
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Originally published Friday, 10 May 2024.