Mental health
The World Health Organisation defines Mental Health as: ‘A state of well being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.’
One person in four will suffer some form of mental health problem during their lifetime. Many millions of people in the UK experience mental ill health themselves or know someone who does.
Mental ill health is nothing new – but, thankfully our understanding and our attitudes are continually improving. However, those experiencing these difficulties still have to face a wealth of misunderstanding and prejudice from society as a whole.
What causes mental ill health? In some cases the causes are more clearly identified and linked to specific events – death of a loved one, traumatic experience, abuse. There is some evidence that there may also be ‘physical’ causes – chemical imbalances in the brain, etc. It may be that the person or those helping them will never know the cause.
'Occupational therapy and mental health' states:
- among the factors which promote mental well-being is – an outlook which incorporates hope and purpose in life
- without some awareness of the spiritual dimension of human beings there is a lack of meaning in life which can often be identified in loneliness, depression and feelings of powerlessness.
In The Bible, Psalm chapter 77 verses 1 – 9 speak of the despair and emptiness many live with daily, whilst trying to keep a hold on what their heads – if not their hearts – know of God.
In 1 Kings chapter 19 we read the story of Elijah – Elijah who is in despair, experiencing a time of depression. How does God respond? With a time of rest, of food and drink. The practical aspects of someone’s life are very important in helping them recover from mental ill health.
What does this say to us as the church and how should we respond to mental ill health? According to the professional definitions we are in a prime position to offer something that will both aid recovery and help to prevent mental health problems.
The church, the Christian community should be an aid to mental well - being. Unfortunately guilt from the church can be a factor in mental ill-health. The mental hospital was originally a place of ‘asylum’ - the church should provide this place of safety in our world. Spiritual well-bring is a large part of health generally. The church can and should offer healing, grace, forgiveness, deliverance, reconciliation.
This need for ‘hope’ is reflected clearly in the Bible – ‘without a hope / vision the people perish’ Proverbs chapter 29 verse 18. Paul ends chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians ‘.. and now these three remain faith hope and love’. Do we offer that hope to those whose path crosses ours or who come through our doors?
Jesus said ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ Mather chapter 11 verse 28. Do we support and encourage those with mental health problems to come to Jesus and find rest or do we make the way to Him paved with obstacles? With guilt, conditions, judgements, pressure?
What do we do? Love, love and then love some more. Offer faith, hope and unconditional love. On a practical note – do work with the professionals involved – it is highly likely they will welcome your involvement and will want to work with you.
Other resources
For more information see: The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health [SCMH] (external link opens in new window)