Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental illness is profound and deeply ingrained in the culture and even the church. This is problematic considering how many people are affected by mental illness. Consider the following:
The Stats
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.
- 19% of U.S. adults experience anxiety disorders.
- Only 45% of adults with a mental illness will get treatment in any given year.
- 29% percent of U.S. adults who report having been diagnosed with significant depression at some point in their lifetime.
- 264 million people struggle with depression and 40 million people struggle with anxiety.
- Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.; 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.
Good Godly People are Affected by Mental Illness
Christians are not immune to mental illness. Sometimes good godly people are affected by mental illness in the same way they are affected by physical illness. We wouldn’t stigmatize someone for suffering from cancer, why would we stigmatize someone suffering from some form of mental illness? Not only is this kind of stigma unbiblical and unkind – it can be lethal. When people with mental illness believe they have to hide their illness from their loved ones or church family for fear of being ostracized or abandoned, it can keep them from seeking the treatment they need, leading to a worsening of their symptoms, and even to despair. So, what can our churches do to love and minister to those suffering from mental illness?
The Church Must Admit Mental Health Problems Exist
The first step in solving any problem is admitting that it exists. It’s the same for mental health and the church. Yet 49 percent of pastors say they rarely or never speak to their congregation about mental illness. So, the first, and perhaps most important, step is simply to talk openly and honestly about mental illness. When we don’t talk about something, we imply that it is something bad or shameful. Pastors need to be honest about the pervasive nature of mental illness even among Christians. Simply bringing the topic to light with a gracious and compassionate tone will go a long way toward helping those with mental illness feel comfort and care.
Even Small Churches Can Address Mental Health
While not every church has the resources to help treat mental illness, every church, no matter the size or location, can make an intentional and deliberate decision to become a caring and compassionate sanctuary for people with mental illness and their families. Frequently the excuse, “But we’re not a large church; we don’t have a lot of resources” is used to justify a lack of care and support for the mentally ill. However, no money, resources or training are required to be kind, compassionate and patient with those suffering from mental illness and their families.
Learn More about Mental Illness and the Church
- The American Association of Christian Counselors (aacc.net)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org)
- Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (ccef.org)
- Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (biblicalcounseling.com)
- Mental Health Grace Alliance (mentalhealthgracealliance.org)