Getting the right help

In my experience of working with people in a pastoral capacity, while some illnesses can't be seen or even explained, we must treat them as they are required. For example, when we are struggling with a mental health condition, or if we feel down a lot, we must be careful not to respond with "just shake it off". Just as we would take care of the rest of our body, our mental, emotional, social and spiritual health also needs our attention. We must be careful and steer clear of demonizing the well-being of people.

Beliefs from our family, religion or culture can sometimes stop us from getting help.

Some churches say that mental illness is caused by demonic activity. But when it comes to physical health, we have learnt that this isn’t true: we now believe that medical science can show the cause and remedy for physical health issues. But the idea has stayed in the area of mental health – some still assume the causes of mental health conditions are spiritual and they treat medical science with scepticism.

Mental health conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder should be diagnosed by a mental health specialist. Your medical professional can also help advise you on the best course of treatment.

As a pastor, I have journeyed with several Christians who have depression. We talk about life, the ups and downs, the dietary, physical exercise, chores, community and spiritual practises, as well as the professional medical help that they are getting.

We dare not take matters of mind, heart, feelings and emotional health lightly, or just pray against them. Let's approach these matters of mental health, and whole person health, in a way that reminds us not to be anxious, to use prayer to ground us, give praise and thanksgiving to God, talk to him about our struggles, and get the help we need from medical professionals and medications.

Let's take those illnesses of the mind, heart, soul and whole-person wellness to God.

When we pray, it’s helpful to remember that God doesn’t always work in ways that we expect. Sometimes God does cure people of their illnesses, but often He brings healing in other ways. It’s important to understand that if someone isn’t cured from depression, it’s never the person’s fault for not having “enough faith”. God uses lots of different ways to heal, including miracles, counselling and antidepressants.

In the emotional, mind and heart ups and downs, let's journey in faith, hope and love and hold on to that promise of God's peace to guide us and keep us.

Much grace and peace in the midst of the mind and heart storms.