Mental Health - You Asked The Question!
As part of our Let’s Talk series we received a number of questions on Sunday morning that we were not able to answer during the service. Here are the questions we missed and our brief responses.
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Let me begin by saying two things:
First, I want to draw your attention to the excellent service of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Kelowna. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with their services and resources. I trust you will find them helpful. The journey toward mental health is never taken alone. You would do well to make the good people at the CMHA part of the journey.
Second, I think it worth noting that we received double the amount of questions on this topic than we did for any of the others. It’s good that we’re talking. I have tried to remove the duplicates and addressed each of the matters that ca
How can someone who constantly worries about everything find peace?
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health illness in Canada. Anxiety BC offers a number of practical steps and solutions for those living with constant anxiety.
In talking to Christians who live with and regulate their anxiety I have heard over and over again that a regular rhythm of prayer and meditating on God’s word has been helpful. It is about inviting God into your worry so we might capture even just a glimpse of his ability to carry every burden we feel.
How do we speak to the “unfairness” of people who struggle with lifelong mental illness, and who are desperate for God’s healing of that illness?
I have never prayed the prayer, “May your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven!” more than when I am walking with others in the journey through mental illness. It is a deep heart cry for God to tear open the heavens and come down to make things right again! I can only imagine what those pray from the pit.
Yet, the promise of God is that one day all things will be restored. One day, under Jesus rule and reign all things in heaven and on earth will be perfected, healed, restored (Ephesians 1:10). Until that day we continue to pray, “May your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.”
The same is true for any illness. To live with a failing mental health is akin to living wing a failing physical health. Neither are unfair, though they feel that way. The reality of our present situation is that sin has broken so many things in God’s creation and we, like the rest of creation are “groaning” for redemption (Romans 8:22-23). One day we will know it in full, today we know it only in pieces. May we walk the road of faith in Jesus together so we can bear one another’s burdens.
Can schizophrenia and other psychotic mental disorders be treated by the beLove model
Indeed, living with any mental illness requires the strong relentless support of those who love and are committed to you. This isn’t the only thing necessary to flourish while living with mental illness, but it is something the church can and must provide as we follow the call of Jesus in our world.
As a grandchild I used to feel very awkward going out in public with grandpa due to his Asperger syndrome. What would you recommend for helping children to cope with family members who they don’t interact with, due to being unable to understand their mental health?
Good question. For clarification Asperger Syndrome is on the autism spectrum and is considered a developmental disorder, not a mental disorder. But your question is fair. My first thought is to talk about it with your children. But here is the important part: the way you talk about it. Talk about the person, about their struggles, about what they face. Don’t allow the talk to make the illness a label, an identifier, or an indication of a person’s identity. As we come to see the human being and the struggle they face then we are getting somewhere.
Another thought that comes to my mind is don’t be afraid of awkwardness. It is alright if you or your kids feel uncomfortable (as long as it is safe, of course). Sometimes we want to protect our kids from these kinds of feelings. My experience is that it is in those uncomfortable moments that we are most able to share the compassion and love of Jesus.
Living in authentic community helps people flourish, can you talk about any case studies or personal experience with people on the mental health journey showing the improvement possible when life is done in authentic and true community?
My experience in the literature is really limited. However, in my previous ministry at North Shore Alliance Church we held a weekly gathering for people who found themselves trapped in the poverty cycle. Many of our friends there were facing mental illnesses of all kinds. What we found was that for some (though not all, unfortunately) the consistency and transparency of the leadership helped create a safe place for people to share and find hope in Jesus. It was challenging and messy and uncomfortable at times, but through it all Jesus’ presence was real to both us as staff and to those who came for help. I like to think that we were all enriched in the Lord.
Comment on culture & government movement towards assisted suicide and pressure on the marginalized to do so.
Good question! I’d love to tackle this in a separate “Let’s Talk” series. We’re planning another one for next June …
I’ve heard it said in Christian circles that “if she/he struggles with depression, bi polar, schizophrenia, etc. they clearly are not saved.” What are your thoughts?
In all honesty my first thought, or more accurately my first reaction, is anger. There is so much that is wrong about this statement. I see two major problems here. The first (and biggest) problem is a total misunderstanding of the Gospel of Jesus. Since when did salvation depend on anything other than the grace of Jesus and those willing to accept it?
The second problem is a total misunderstanding of mental health and illness. One would never question another’s salvation simply because they live with diabetes or some other physiological malady. That would be ridiculous, because, well, because it is.