World Mental Health Day – Glorify Blog

World Mental Health Day is an international day dedicated to global mental health education, raising awareness and reducing social stigma. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2022 is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World.’ Reflecting on the Covid-19 pandemic, advocates will highlight how those with long-term health conditions, those living in low-income areas, and those facing racial discrimination are disproportionately affected.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five American adults has a mental illness. According to the World Health Organization, one in eight people worldwide has a mental illness. Many of us will experience mental health problems every year. There is evidence that certain groups, such as young women, more vulnerable.

World Mental Health Day and the Church

Churches can be a refuge in this battle against pressures to be economically productive or to be superficially busy. They can be a community for transition in a tired, anxious culture and for the anxious and depressed. They can be safe places where people can access support and also guide them to professional care.

In addition, there are now wonderfully qualified practitioners leading the way in support and resources in the intersection of faith and mental health. Here are some of the best for you to connect with.

Dr. Caroline La

Dr. Henry May

Kathryn Purcell

Jo Hargreaves

The Way of Jesus

Sometimes mental health advice sounds a lot like Jesus’ words: spend time with those you care about; helping others; Share what’s going on in your life. Like As followers of Jesus, we can learn to hear His voice even in the darkest of times. We can be reminded that we are loved and can also invite others into the wonder of the gospel.

Face unique challenges

However, mental illness can still be a stigmatized topic for many believers. Suicidal thoughts and extreme despair that accompanies clinical depression can be confusing to people who have not experienced these realities. Although many Christians experience anxiety or depression at times, those diagnosed with mental illness face special challenges.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “The mind can go much lower than the body, for in it are bottomless pits. The flesh can only take certain wounds and not more, but the soul can bleed in myriad ways and die over and over again every hour.”

Mental illness is not a new phenomenon, and biblical truths that have encouraged Christians for centuries can now be used to encourage those with mental illness. Here are four scripture truths we can hold on to.

You’re not alone

Since the fall, God’s people have suffered mentally, emotionally, and physically. Even Christ, on the cross, cried out in despair “God, God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46

When we are in pain, we are not alone. Jesus promises that He will never leave us and be with us always.

Talking openly about your mental health issues with trained professionals allows us to get the help and support we need. Finally, we can help others share their difficulties and comfort them as well.

You Are Not Blameful

Although mental illness is the result of the fall, our suffering, like the man born blind (John 9:1-3), is not a punishment for our sins or sins. of our parents. Mental illness may not be our fault, but it can be an opportunity for us to receive God’s grace we need to get through a difficult time.

Of course, sin and separation from God can aggravate mental illness and cause depression or anxiety. It is important to be affectionately guided by people to Christ and the source of our healing. We can let the light of His love shine into our lives as we ask for His transforming grace.

God sees you and is present with you

We have a personal Savior who sympathizes with our suffering. We can remember the closeness of Christ when we are affected by mental illness. He weeps with us just as He wept with the family of Lazarus (John 11:32-35). He knew about the resurrection work He was about to do, but that didn’t stop Him from grieving with His friend’s family. Likewise, He knows how He will act in and through our lives, and He is present with us in the midst of it.

God has sent the Holy Ghost, our Comforter and Counselor, to be with us and help us. The Holy Spirit prays for us. He cries out for us when we are speechless and can only make desperate sounds (Romans 8:26-27).

Hold on to your resolve, because there is great hope.

Jehovah is close to the broken-hearted and saves the broken-hearted.

Psalm 34:18

We are all broken in our own unique ways, but Christ restores us to wholeness. He shines light into the deepest recesses of our hearts and minds (2 Cor. 4:6). He rescues us from the deepest pit (Job 33:28) and one day He may use us to help others (2 Cor. 4:7-10).

The bible tells you

The Bible not afraid to discuss mental and emotional anguish. Look at Job or the lamentations, which make up more than fifty percent of the psalms. These are the songs of those who ask God:

“Look to me and do me a favor, for I am lonely and miserable.” Psalm 25:16

Even so, most lamentations end on a positive note, reminding the reader of God’s faithfulness. We, like God’s people throughout history, often forget what He has done for us and the promises He continues to keep.

Keep these facts somewhere you will see them often. Share them with a close friend, family member, or responsible partner who can remind you when you forget or lack the energy or will to do so. Even in the darkest of days, God’s word speaks to you.

photo taken by Joseph Barrientos above leave

photo taken by frank mckenna above leave