Other thoughts on Mental Health and Your Church

Section 3 of the book shows how the principles of section 2 work out in a variety of case studies.

The case studies helpfully show the diversity of mental illness impacts and the sorts of help and support that is needed.

“two things that are said that evening stick in his memory. One is that depression can affect anyone. And the second is that every person’s experience of depression is unique.”

One thing that comes out clearly in this section is that change is often slow, and a team is needed to support the individual over the long haul.

“one group of people who are often overlooked to those who are caring for them” “it is important to care well for those who are caring as well!”

“that means we want to check in periodically with people offering care make sure they’re doing OK. It will mean talking with them about whether they’re serving is sustainable, it will involve ensuring they’re still honouring God by taking some rest,”

Another issue is the way that in church there is both a family-like community and there are organisational and professional roles. In some ways this is a strength. But it also adds complexity- in which capacity are people relating- friend, home group leader, mechanic/hairdresser/doctor, sometimes blood relative, sometimes church staff?

There is also the challenge of confidentiality and sharing with others. The authors highlight that if someone is in a car accident or has cancer, we tend to share that with the church family for prayer. And if a person is in hospital, we accept a relative passing on that news and share it. Not sharing mental illness may perpetuate the stigma. But sharing it may upset the individual, and if they have been sectioned and so are in hospital with a mental illness, they may not want others to know. In the end, seeking the persons permission for sharing is wise whatever the type of illness. We want to be safe for people to share their struggles with the whole church, but also safe for people to let only a few people know.

It is well worth reading this fairly short book, since mental health issues and awareness are rising. We want our churches to be good places for those with mental illness to come, to hear the good news of Jesus, and to experience the love of Jesus’ people.