Mental Health Awareness Week: what can your church do?

But what about in our churches? We may know the famous one in four statistic which tells us how many people might be affected by mental illness, but how can we talk about mental health in our churches in a way which elevates understanding, eradicates stigma and encourages compassion?

The first step for us has to be one where, as the church, we name our position on mental health, because although the phrase ​“mental health” doesn’t appear in scripture, the concept is seen from Genesis to Revelation. The Hebrew word ​“shalom” is the closest concept to our idea of mental health, but it’s greater and more beautiful. In Genesis 2, we see shalom in its fullness; there is companionship between Adam and Eve, connection to God, purposeful work and security in the garden of Eden – and these things reflect the elements of good mental health.

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Scripture also shows us how we can connect with God when shalom feels absent; we see people like King David, Jonah, Jesus and Paul calling out to God when they’re overwhelmed with difficult emotions, and their stories teach us how we can bring what hurts to God. In our churches, this might be holding services of lament during key points of the church year such as Advent and Lent, but we also need to be talking about mental health more widely within our churches. Stigma against mental health issues is an issue of justice, and just as the church has stood up against injustices like the slave trade and how we treat refugees, we also need to speak about the disadvantages and struggles faced by those living with mental health conditions.

To do this well, we need to seek out training in mental health so that we can be informed and equipped both to understand the scriptural basis but also practically respond to those struggling. We want to see a lasting culture shift when it comes to mental health – and in order for that to happen we need to be equipped. Whether it be attending seminars at festivals like Spring Harvest or New Wine, reading books or attending more formal training sessions, the more our understanding is elevated, the more our compassion can be encouraged.

It’s important that as the church, we understand what our role is in terms of mental health care; we aren’t meant to replace mental health services or specialists, but to demonstrate the love of God shown through Jesus and by the Spirit. We don’t need to fix people; we need to walk alongside them gently, pointing them to hope. The most beautiful demonstration of this in scripture is how Jesus walks with Cleopas on the road to Emmaus on the morning of His resurrection. Jesus shows compassion as He listens to Cleopas’ hopelessness, walks the long journey with him and breaks bread with His scarred hands. We need to offer people a ministry of gentle presence, whether it be through a walk, an offer of a few meals or some company for the lonely.

How can we be more mental health friendly? This is a marathon, not a sprint, and we need to be gentle with ourselves and one another as we seek to see our churches become sanctuaries of shalom.