Issues Facing the Church: Road to Mental Health & Well-Being Part 01

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. — Psalm 42:11

One of the great challenges of our time is not external issues — the economy, geo-political challenges, or pandemics. It has to do with mental health. Whether one is young or old, male or female, Christian or non-Christian, mental health is one of the issues, even crises, of our day and it’s not going away soon. Today’s church needs to begin a conversation on this vital issue.

This author claims no expertise whatsoever on this important subject, but after years of Bible teaching and pastoral ministry experience has some thoughts to offer.

Mental health includes a fully operative cognitive skills, sense of understanding one’s gifting and limitations, an ability to cope with stress, living a productive and fruitful life that contributes to society. The opposite of mental health is mental illness. If one had to choose between a physical ailment or mental illness, often times the latter proves to be more challenging, even harrowing, than the former. What is even more concerning is that Christians are not exempt from mental illness, including those in the ministry.

Some of life’s events that can contribute to mental illness include, but by no means are limited to, sexuality, illness, rejection, divorce, death of a loved one, family history, abuse, betrayal, bullying, or even a chemical imbalance. If left unaddressed, mental illness can develop, which includes worry, a spirit of fear, anxiety, depression, despair, low-mood, and/or self-harming. In some instances, mental illness can lead to addiction in tobacco, alcohol, narcotics, pornography, or illicit sexual relations. These life-controlling items only help make the situation worse than ever.

In trying to understand, let alone overcome, mental illness, a few points need to be kept in mind:

1. Mental illness is common, and in some cases, growing. Modern living can be compact, complicated, over-busy and highly pressurised. Ironically, in peaceful and prosperous country like Australia, there is an alarming amount of depression, often manifested and masked by apathy.

2. Those who suffer from mental illness should not be stigmatised. It can happen to anyone, including those who seem to ‘have it together:’ The educated, successful, and prominent.

3. While medication may be necessary in a few cases, balanced, practical, and Bible-based principles should be employed. A holistic approach to body, mind, soul, and spirit is what is needed.

On the practical side, some issue to consider include:

Diet: A healthy, balanced diet is strongly recommended. You are what you eat and you can’t go wrong having a menu including whole grains, 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day, protein, and a measure of carbohydrates and fats (yes, our body needs fats - the right kind in the right amount);

TO BE CONTINUED

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