According to reporting and data, our country is in the midst of a mental health crises, especially in our teen and college age generation. A perfect storm of events has contributed experts say, which includes the world shutting down during the pandemic, the overwhelming prevalence and influence of social media and vanishing traditional families, along with other factors. Consequently, depression, anxiety, and attention disorders have skyrocketed bringing with them, social isolation, addiction and increases in suicide attempts. It is another pandemic.
To complicate the struggle is the stigma that still remains attached to mental illness. As a friend once said concerning a family member dealing with mental health issues, “If he had been diagnosed with cancer, we would have a line of folks coming by bringing casseroles.” I understand that. It is difficult to know how to respond to “crazy” (so the saying goes), which often remains how we view those with mental illness.
It is also frustrating, wearying, and complicated because there are no quick fixes; no magic pill; and no simple solutions. It is a difficult discussion altogether, therefore we don’t have it. Those who suffer, often do so silently, hurting in the shadows—ever aware of the stigma.
But the growing concern is too big to be ignored now. As Christians what should our response be? Or we might ask, “What would Jesus Do?” He certainly encountered folks who were severely challenged (the man possessed by the “legion” of demons for example—Mark 5:1-20). He did not run away from those challenges, instead he ran to them bringing help and healing. While we do not possess his healing powers, we can offer our help and support for those dealing with mental illness. Here are a few ways:
· Acknowledge the struggle. Just talking about it as we would any other illness with those struggling and/or family members would go a long way to create a better healing atmosphere and acceptance of the challenges inherit in the disease.
· Do not contribute to the stigma. Those suffering already frequently feel as if others are judging them—thinking they are “crazy.” This only increases feelings of depression and isolation. Instead, offer support and understanding.
· Emphasize their value—in Christ. Work to counter the destructive nature of social media where value is assessed by appearance, likes and followers—all of which is actually exaggerated but all too real to young people, which contributes to mental health issues. If we can penetrate this false narrative with the truth about the value God sees within each of us based in his love (Psalm 139:13-14), then we could potentially reframe how some young people view themselves, leading to better mental health.
· Try to love unconditionally. Not easy in any situation, but made much more difficult by the complications of mental illness. But it is exactly what those suffering need.
· Offer assistance—in the form of acceptance; counseling; support for families; resources to help; and of course, prayer. “Pray without ceasing.”
The mental health crisis is not going anywhere, anytime soon. Let’s increase not just our awareness of it, but our response to it. There is an entire generation out there who need us.
Danny Dodd
