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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