The Church's Role in Mental Health
By John Moore, LPCA
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46.1
There are quite a few alarming statistics regarding Mental Illness. The most alarming number for the church is not the fact that 20% of the population will experience a mental health crisis annually, or the fact that roughly 50% of the population will deal with a mental health issue in their lifetime. Or even the fact Mental Illness is more common than heart disease, cancer, AIDS/HIV, diabetes…combined!
The most startling number in Christian mental health is this: In a survey of 500 pastors and clergy, conducted by Christianity Today, the percentage of pastors that have seen mental health issues in their congregation is 98%; however, only 12% of those pastors feel that the issue has been discussed or handled in a healthy fashion. Furthermore, 25% of congregants in a mental health crisis seek help initially from their pastor.
The take away from the above statistics is simple:
The mental health crisis is real, and the church is at the forefront of the battle.
The following are measures your church can take to set the standard for mental health crisis intervention while de-stigmatizing the need for seeking professional help and supporting members at the same time.
Education: Provide literature regarding Mental Illness. Set up a educational series by inviting speakers from the field to lead seminars with Q&A periods. Designate lay persons to be trained in Mental Health First Aid.
Know when to refer to a professional: If a person is in crisis, they often have difficulty with reality. “Normal” activities like appropriate grooming and hygiene are tough to manage, not to mention the difficulty of getting out of bed, proper nutrition, and going to work.
Encouragement: The church is typically great at outreach, but Mental Illness is a health issue that rarely brings people out for visits. With other illnesses that require hospitalization, family and friends provide meals and send cards. However, in a mental health crisis, individuals often find themselves alone. Reach out to those suffering from Mental Illness to offer encouragement and support.
Start a group or club: One of the best ways for someone to feel support is in social settings. A weekly support group, book club, text group, card ministry, or supper club is a great way to engage those struggling to cope with mental health issues.
Wild Hope is here to help if your church needs support with managing or helping those in crisis. Want to start a group? Need a counseling referral? Want to offer a seminar? Please contact us with questions.