(Follows on from the previous notes on section one, “Understanding Mental Illness”: https://jotsandscribbles.blog/2023/10/12/mental-health-and-your-church-drugs-and-talking-therapies/)
What can we do? Reading this section I was struck by the helpful realism of this book. Doing nothing is not an option but doing everything isn’t an option either. They focus on some key actions, but recognise that often slow progress requires significant time, love and perseverance.
It’s important to raise awareness so that people know it’s normal for Christians to struggle in this fallen world. That can be with little comments in sermons and Bible studies. Could also be with occasional dedicated evenings looking at issues of mental health. They also suggest that books and resources can be very helpful. Testimonies from those who struggled with mental health are also very important in helping people see that Christians struggle with these things.
Then it is very important to relate well. Those who are struggling with mental illness need to know they’re not alone and that they are loved. If they feel or look different they need others to draw near to them. Trust builds slowly. People who are unwell or damaged often respond badly at points. They often want to relate just to one person and build trust with them alone, but this puts too much burden on one person. In general we will need a team to support those with mental health issues.
We also want to help people think about why the Lord has allowed this and what he is doing in the midst of it. Big gospel themes like forgiveness, adoption, freedom in Christ are very helpful for people who are struggling with mental illness. Asking questions to help them understand their own view of God. And then other questions about what would need to change or what they’re looking for God to do can help open up useful discussion.
Because we love people with mental illness we also have a responsibility to help them grow as disciples which Chapter 9 calls the call to refine. The authors highlighted the importance of small steps of refining safely within a loving kind environment refining wisely and refining imaginatively. Change is slow.
There’s also a need for practical resources. Many people with mental illness will be struggling with some of the basics of life or perhaps be unable to work for a period and so face financial difficulty. Helping people in doing these everyday tasks and coming alongside them as they do them make such a huge difference. Things like help to exercise or help to cook or help to clean can be very helpful. Because those with mental illness are often vulnerable and because of the demands it is helpful for those who are supporting those who mental illness to be accountable to each other within a team and perhaps to have someone who they themselves can talk to.
There is more in the book of course. And perhaps you can add some wisdom from your experience: what can churches do to help someone with a mental illness?
Jots and Scribbles 