The church definitely has a role to play in dealing with mental illness
[two_third]
Mental Illness and the Church
The church should be the last place where stones are thrown at the mentally ill and their families. The church is a sanctuary. It is a place of hope. For some, the church is their last bus stop. Prayer is very vital and must not be sidelined. However many feel that outside prayer, the church does not seem to offer much in terms of support.
Here are some steps for leaders in dealing with mental illness in the church:
Maintain hope
Hope is your primary responsibility as a leader in the church. Without hope faith is lost, and in essence, church is pointless. The Gospel is good news and is a message full of hope. Jesus cured all manner of diseases including mental illness. Also the Word assures us that every sickness has been overcome.
Help families come out of isolation
Families can feel isolated even in the church! They may keep up appearances pretending everything is ok when not. Sometimes families feel pressurized. They feel that they are to be seen to be exercising their faith or perhaps not praying hard enough! Families and people must learn to break the silence of their disease. They must feel they can open up and talk about their challenges of mental illness without feelings of condemnation. Families need to feel that members in the church are compassionate towards them. As leaders, remember to stick with the people and families involved. Jesus touched the leper, when He could have just given an instruction for the healing but that touch was communicating something. That touch brought emotional healing as well. Eye contact is important. You can ‘touch’ someone through the warmth of your expressions, smiles, affirmations and so on.
Help break the silence
Some feel that the church does not talk or address mental health issues enough or even at all. Not talking about their condition with them makes sufferers and families feel neglected. It is like sweeping things on the carpet. Asking how they are getting on for example, opens up dialogue.
Look out for the kids
Help should be extended to the children and teenagers who are greatly affected by mental illness. Families need practical help in the same way as help is offered to families that go through grief, or families that have new babies. The church is a family and so members should be on the look out for even the tiniest among us whatever the circumstances.
Knowledge!
Find out more on mental illness and particularly the disease they are challenged with. Do not be ignorant. Find out what about their care and how effective it is. Keep a tab on how they are progressing, or their challenges with the medicine or care they are getting.
Visit
Visiting someone in a mental hospital may be strange, daunting and even frightening for some but it sends a powerful message of love and inclusiveness. Those who can should definitely visit and most definitely the leader of the church!
Don’t forget the caregivers
Anxiety is very common with caregivers of the mentally ill. They may need that extra support spiritually and emotionally to strengthen them as they are the pillars in the home.
Read ‘Dealing with Mental Illness in the Church (for leaders) – Part 2’
[/two_third] [one_third padding=”0 0 0 100px”]
Read These Next
3 steps in Dealing with stigma of Mental Illness
No one should face stigma of any kind. However, that is in the ideal world. Stigma happens. However, stigma cannot be condoned. Stigma can seem more damaging than the actual disease. Read more
What to do for yourself when mental illness strikes
As the caregiver, ‘living with’ mental illness can feel like a very lonely experience too. Everyone else but you seems to be having a normal life with ‘normal’ challenges. This can make you feel like a stranger to the human race. Read more
Dealing with Mental Illness in the Church (for leaders) – Part 2′
The church often can do one of several things when it comes to mental health issues. They can ignore or snob mental issues, leave the illness to professionals or pretend it does not exist. Mental illness does not threaten or intimidate God. Read more
[/one_third]