Faith & Values: Taking care of our mental health

The faces of those struggling with mental health are young and old. They are black, brown, white. They may be isolated and withdrawn at home or hidden in a crowd. They are our neighbors, co-workers, family and friends. They are in our schools, workplaces, and faith communities.

The challenges of the past two years have brought the importance of good mental health to a whole new level of awareness. According to the World Health Organization, 450 million people are experiencing mental health disorders, and a recent study in the United States concludes that the number of adults suffering from depression has tripled during the pandemic.

Mental health is an essential part of our overall health. Positive mental health enables us to cope with the stresses of life, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to our communities.

Unfortunately, myths and misconceptions about mental health can often keep people from getting the help they need. This is often true for people of faith who may be hesitant to seek help. May is National Mental Health Month, which gives us a good opportunity to reflect on some of these myths.

Ancient cultures believed that mental illness was attributed to possession by supernatural spirits. Torture was the treatment of choice. In biblical times, “madness” and “mental confusion” were considered punishment for violating God’s commandments. In the Greco-Roman world, mental illness was attributed to natural causes of “an imbalance of the bodily humors.”

It is not difficult to challenge and dispute the misconceptions of the past. Thanks to education and research, we are now much better equipped to understand and treat mental health issues, yet more work remains to be done to dispel myths and build understanding.

A prevailing myth today is the idea that mental health problems are a sign of weakness. In my work as a therapist, I have come across people who believed their anxiety was a sin and reflected a lack of trust in God. Likewise, some saw depression as a sign that they were not strong enough in their faith.

Actually, mental health problems are not a sign of weakness. They are simply medical conditions that need treatment just like diabetes, cancer, or a broken bone. As human beings, we are all vulnerable to mental health problems. In fact, research shows that one in five adults in the US experiences a mental illness each year. Genetics, life experience, family history, and brain chemistry all contribute to mental health.

“I should be able to fix things on my own” is another common myth. As human beings, we are all susceptible to illness and disease. While there is much to be said for strengths and resilience, there are times when talking to a professional can help. In some cases, medication can make a big difference. Accessing available resources reflects courage and a desire to live more fully. Remember that even Jesus used clay on the blind man’s eyes.

Finally, the idea that you only need to take care of your mental health if you have a mental health condition is another myth that needs to be challenged. The truth is that everyone can benefit from taking steps to improve their mental and physical health. Developing a self-care plan that includes developing supportive relationships, exercise, and using spiritual resources like prayer and meditation can make a big difference. Prevention is key.

Faith-based communities may consider hosting a Mental Health First Aid class to train members to learn how to better minister to people facing mental health issues and help them access available resources to promote healing.

Of course, if the face of the person struggling with mental health stares back at you in the mirror, remember that there is hope for better days ahead. Take the first step towards wholeness and health today.

The Rev. Becky Evans Glass is executive director of the Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center in Newport News. She can be contacted by email at [email protected]