Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness in a given year? And less than 50% seek treatment? Many more Americans are suffering from stress, anxiety, and burnout. The world is challenging and uncertain right now with the pandemic and related issues, divisive politics, and now war. As a result, we are facing a mental health crisis. (American Psychological Association) As it says in the title, minding mental health for ourselves and others is critical.
I led a workshop on this topic at work this past week. One of the participants shared that recently she was contemplating suicide and a call from a friend changed her mind. Since then, she indicated that she has taken several classes to be certified to help others that are struggling in a similar way.
The point of this blog post is that we need to safeguard our own mental health and also help others that are struggling.
Minding Mental Health for Yourself
Engage in activities and practices on a regular basis to reduce stress and enhance your health and well-being. Examples include praying, exercising, eating right, getting enough sleep, taking “me” time – whatever works for you. I know that I would be bat “poop” crazy without exercising and spending time with God every day.
If you need help, don’t be afraid to pursue it. You could seek assistance from people such as friends, your pastor, a therapist, your doctor, or other resources like crisis lines or community resources.
Minding Mental Health for Others
You should be there for others as well. If you see signs that someone is struggling, reach out and offer support. Listen with a nonjudgmental ear. Encourage them to seek help and treatment if appropriate. It can make a big difference! I know that there are some Christians who believe turning to God for help should take care of our mental health needs. Although that is a wonderful strategy, I believe there are some that may need additional treatment.
If I’m honest, I have had a number of hot “messdowns” (see what I did there? LOL) and experienced anxiety and depression over the last year due to some events in my life. And the stress of what’s going on in the world hasn’t helped. I leaned on my faith and used all the strategies above to get through. I’m not there yet but am continuing on the path to recovery. I found it encouraging when I got texts, cards and calls from others. Things like that don’t take a lot of time but can be quite meaningful.
Below are some Scriptures that may be helpful to those that are struggling.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (John 14:27).”
“Fear not, for I am with you: be not dismayed, for I am you God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).”
“The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head at the roots of the mountains. I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God. When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple (Jonah 2:5-7).”
REFLECT
How are things with your mental health currently?
What could you do to ensure you are taking care of yourself?
Who in your life could you reach out to for support?
