If 2020 has proven anything, it’s that relationships, building connections and using mental health resources when needed are especially vital during the still ongoing pandemic.
When it comes to church, too, developing these social, emotional and sometimes spiritual encounters can make all the difference when it comes to seeking out mental health resources.
According to http://www.mentalhealthministries.net/, there is a “great deal of stigma” tied to mental illness, even when in the church. People with mental illness are typically feared, mistrusted and even marginalized. This was even more apparent in Biblical times where people who had physical or mental limitations were either not understood and/or isolated from the community.
The mental illness types and symptoms that impact the brain can include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Addictions
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Postpartum depression (PPD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Major depression
- Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
“Many of these illnesses can occur together making an accurate diagnosis difficult,” according to the article. “Symptoms can change over time resulting in a new or additional diagnosis. These changes also impact treatment options. This is why it is important to be under the care of a mental health professional to adjust medications based on an individual’s response to the medication and/or a change in diagnosis.”
The mission of Mental Health Ministries, an interfaith web-based ministry, is looking to reduce any mental health-related stigmas because mental health issues are sometimes more prevalent in the church than realized.
- One in four persons sitting in pews has a family member struggling with mental health issues.
- A majority of individuals with a mental health issue go first to a spiritual leader for help.
- Clergy often lack the training to provide appropriate support and referral information.
- Faith communities can be a caring congregation for persons living with a mental illness and their family members.
Mental Health Ministries has created a wide variety of downloadable print and DVD resources with many of the print resources available, according to their website. This website also has training curriculums and other resources developed by denominations and national groups working in the area of spirituality/faith and mental illness.
Congregations can choose from this “menu” of resources and adapt them to the unique needs of each faith community. Their Inspiration section includes Devotions, Prayers and Quotations.
Those who are interested are encouraged to sign up to receive their periodic e-Spotlights that provide timely information and links to resources addressing spirituality and mental illness.
While they are not able to provide referrals or information on programs in specific areas, they do encourage people to share what they are doing for their It Worked for Us section of their website.
According to its website, http://www.mentalhealthministries.net/, “We can learn from each other as we work together to erase the stigma of mental illness in our faith communities. Major religions also share the conviction that we are called to care for those who suffer in this world. Both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament contain many stories of people being called to care for others. The great prophets share a similar message. God asks us to be faithful, to love one another, to reach out to those who are broken, and to seek justice for all God’s people.”
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