“O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me, for you do what is right.” — Psalm 31:1
Mental health is something we tend to take for granted until there is a problem. At that time we wonder where to turn for help. In addition, stigmas are often attached to mental health issues which make us reluctant to seek help and we pretend that everything is just fine.
Mental illnesses can affect people of any age, race, religion or economic status and are of the leading causes of disability in the world. Without treatment, they can result in unemployment, homelessness, incarceration, or suicide. Some of the many conditions considered mental illness are: ADHD, eating disorders, phobias, anxiety disorder, learning disabilities, posttraumatic stress, bipolar personality, obsessive/compulsive behavior, dementia, depression, panic disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and suicide.
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. Symptoms of clinical depression include: persistent feelings of “emptiness,” sleep disturbances, inability to concentrate, memory problems, changes in appetite, loss of pleasure or interest in things that were once enjoyable, irritability, loss of energy, and feelings of hopelessness. Depression can be experienced because of a chemical imbalance, environmental factors, or stress.
“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.” Luke 9:1
One fifth of Americans suffer from some form of mental illness. Whatever the origin, it is important to know that changes in personality, mood, personal habits, and social interaction that are exhibited for a length of time could indicate
a possible mental illness. If any of these
symptoms are observed, it is important to be
seen by your physician for diagnosis and treatment regimen.
In Ecclesiastes we read, “Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” These words describe how most depressed individuals feel. In a subsequent chapter it says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” We can’t separate our physical, mental, and spiritual health. Only when we seek wholeness through our Creator do we find true joy. Joy or wholeness can only be found at the foot of the cross and the empty tomb. Seek mental help but do not forget to seek spiritual help too. “You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care. Job 10:12.
Since mental illness is not a wound that can be seen, families usually have more difficulty accepting the illness. Anyone struggling with it cannot “get over it” or “put it out of his mind” because mental illness is a physical condition. Learn all you can about your loved one’s diagnosis, talk with your physician about ways to cope with the diagnosis, and find a support group to share your experience and learn from others. As caregivers, remember to take care of yourself in order to deal with the frustration and anxiety of the family disease.
“Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out of him, and he healed everyone. “ Luke 6:19 Treatment options for mental illness include medication, talk therapy, or a combination of various treatment modalities. Because of the options, each person must receive an individual treatment plan to address his/her diagnosis and personal needs. Starting with your family physician, find a hospital or psychiatrist that can treat the entire family. The plan should include interventions to educate the family, treat the person medically, and address the spiritual and interpersonal components of the illness. Mental illness affects more than just the patient, so make sure everyone that is physically and emotionally connected to the patient seeks assistance for the ramifications of the illness.
Grace and Peace,
