Worship for all Generations – God and Mental Well-being
Well, if it works out as we all hope, we are now exactly halfway through this 2nd Lockdown of 4 weeks to early December. Many are struggling to get through this pandemic. We are, fingers crossed and dare I say ‘God Willing’, seeing some light at the end of a very long and drawn out tunnel with recent talks of vaccines and more. But many are not only suffering from Covid 19 but also the Mental health strains that the situation we are in offers. For me the Mental Health effects on some must be substantial.
Despite all the advances in treatment, despite all the ways in which our culture has become more enlightened and compassionate, somehow mental illness remains in a category of its own, regarded as some sort of peculiar affliction that is best dealt with by toughing it out, straightening up, putting one’s will into play, and hiding any evidence of possible symptoms.
I am not a mental health counsellor, yes I have had a little bit of training both through my Authorised Lay Minist erTraining and as a Mental Health Advocate at work, and I guess I could provide spiritual counselling at part of my role in the Church. Whenever considering your mental health I would like to offer a few thoughts:
• Be gentle with yourself. All of us are struggling and doing the best we can.
• Be patient. Humans are incredibly complicated, dare I say unpredictable even on our best days, and we will not always respond in the same way.
• Be grateful. Many spiritual traditions urge cultivating a practice of gratitude, something as simple as finding three things each day, however small, to be thankful for. Gratitude can shift an entire world view toward greater trust, bit by bit.
• Be vulnerable. We form our deepest connections with others not around our accomplishments or successes, but around our experiences of suffering. We bond when we share stories of those experiences with one another.
• Be kind. When we notice someone else, even for just a moment in a shared glance or holding open a door, we are lifted out of our own loneliness and a bit closer into the human community.
One in four adults and one in 10 young people will have a diagnosable mental health issue at any one time. On any given day in Church, there will be people with many different stories sat in front of us.
There will be stories of the lives being lived now, the stories of the past and those with concerns for the future. Behind each face, there will be layers of what has influenced, blessed, wounded, hurt, healed and shaped this person over years. There will be situations that bring pain and pressure in their lives from their own minds, their home life and family situations, from school, the work place, the church and the wider community. Personal tragedy and challenges can strike at any moment and scars can build upon scars, slowly impacting people's wellbeing long after the event has passed.
In all these circumstances, it would be wonderful if people felt able to be themselves, to talk about the anxiety, the hurt, struggles in daily life, the sadness, the depression, the feelings of being overwhelmed, the mind that always thinks the worst, or can't seem to find a way forward, the thoughts, the loneliness, the experience of being trapped and of failing; to talk about the feelings of unworthiness, of guilt, shame and discrimination. All are experiences associated with poor mental health or being down in faith.
We can so easily respond by saying 'All you need is Jesus' – or 'If you trusted God more, you would be fine.' On the face of it that can sound very spiritual but to the listener it can be profoundly unhelpful and usually closes down any chance of sharing, understanding and ministering to what is really needed.
Frequently we see Jesus responding to people's needs. He can see past their outer appearance and actions to what is in their hearts and where they need healing. Jesus thinks carefully about what he has to say and seeks to show them that God understands, can forgive them and set them free, and ultimately and fundamentally that he loves them.
The more I read the Bible and follow Jesus, both in times of great joy and some very dark places, I don't find myself in conflict between the high bench mark of faith and the fact my story often looks different. I have found God drawing close to me, despite who I am at times. I think church and faith are places for people who struggle. Rather than battling with the fear of being seen as falling short, I find myself in pretty good company with others for whom life has its challenges too.
Followers of God are not superhuman – they are ordinary people like you and me looking to follow an extraordinary God
Neil
Let us pray to God,
who is our refuge and stronghold.
For the mental health and well-being of our nation, for all who are affected by coronavirus and the effects on their mental wellbeing,
that they may find relief and recovery and may be at peace and free from worry:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
that we may be alert to their needs,
and care for them in their vulnerability:
For those who are guiding our nation at this time,
and shaping national policies,
that they may make wise decisions:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
our schools and young people, our care homes and elderly and all in any kind of need or distress:
For doctors, nurses and medical researchers,
that through their skill and insights
many will be restored to health both now and in the future:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
that our neighbourhoods may be places of trust and friendship, where all are known and cared for:
For the vulnerable and the fearful,
for the gravely ill, the dying and those who have died
that they may know your comfort and peace as we take a moment of silence to think of those known to us.
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
to the mercy and protection of God.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
