Mental Illness in the Pews
As we approach the last quarter of 2018, we still have stigmas surrounding Mental Illness. I would like to acknowledge all the efforts in the past 3–5years pushing the conversation in all platforms. The efforts cracked the ice, yet we still got more work to do. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), reported that an estimated 44 million Americans (18 %) dealing with mental illness annually. Of those 44 million people, 16 million (36 %) had a major depression episode and/or live with major depression. These numbers are alarming and heartbreaking to know people are struggling to function through this life daily.
The most unsettling feeling about these stats that we don’t know who the 44 million could be. These people can be at your job, the barista at your local coffee shop, your mechanic, your doctor, son, daughter, brother, mother or father. Even at your church home, Sister Mental Distress could be greeting and ushering you to your favorite seat. You could be seated between Brother Anxiety and Sister Bipolar disorder praising the Lord with you. Bros. Grief and Guilt dance and shout in the isle while Minister Depression is in your pulpit giving you the word of the week. This is a call of attention. We must stop allowing this to happen within our places of worship and believe that because we are born-again and filled with the Holy Ghost that mental illness don’t plague some of us. Let’s bring Mental Illness from the back of the pews and bring it front and center.
As the stats revealed, it not uncommon for people to be cohabiting with mental illness, some within the Church are unaware to what is going on. I have heard conversations from men and women of leadership talk about contemplating suicide. I even heard a pastor share that he even contemplated murder-suicide. As for a spectator looking from the outside, some would not understand why these leaders would want to go as far as ending their lives. It appears that they got it all together and living a “good” life. That is a common misconception of mental illness People don’t “look” like they are suffering; therefore, they’re not suffering. Once again, it’s called MENTAL illness. The torment is within in the mind, and like any physical illness, manifestation of symptoms varies for each person. In the midst of praise breaks and outdated sermons, the Body, the Church, is in pain, and what are we doing to alleviate the suffering?
The Reality
According to Lifeway Research, 3 out of 4 pastors know at least one family member, friend or member of the congregation battling with either bipolar disorder or depression. Of those pastors, 59 % actually counsel someone suffering from mental illness. About 23 % of pastors admitted having a personal battle with mental illness. These particular stats create a slight sketch of what is going on within the four walls of our places of worship. Majority of the pastors of the study (90 %) agreed that the Church should be viewed as a resource for the mental illness and their families, and 71 % believed that treatment should embraced with spiritual principles. It is refreshing that these pastors believe that the church can be a source of help in leading a life of victory in this area of people’s life, yet are they truly practicing what they are preaching?
The Lifeway study further reveals, nearly half (49 %) of the surveyed pastor said they never or rarely speak of the topics of mental illness, yet a third (33%) have spoke about the topics more than once a year. The disconnect is obvious. No conversation, no awareness, no sensitivity to help. Families also revealed from their perspective about the disconnect. 3 in 10 families stated that their local church had a list of resources to aid the family. Thus, a mass majority do not have resources to lead people in the right direction. We all know the church means well, but we have to back up with what we believe with action.
We discovered the disconnect. Now what? Talk about it. Yes, open our mouths and “call a spade a spade”. Talk about what it looks like for the believers. Share your moment of victory. Ministers give spiritual understanding with solutions and teach it to your flock regularly. Just talk about it. I am not saying to glorify the problem, focus on the woe and enable the victim mentality, yet we no longer going to minimize the situation and “ pray about it, baby”. We pray then what? Of the people suffering within our congregations, they are looking for solutions, healing and freedom from this burden. 78 % of the consistent church goers shared they wanted to be treated as a person and getting a chance to know them as friend. This goes back to baring one another with love. Connecting with members within your local assembly. A follow-up with a member goes a long way. We need to be equipped to handle these situations with the authority with the Lord provided us to effectively service those in need.
Now What?
As stated earlier, about 70 % of the pastors believe a form of treatment encapsulate with spiritual principles. One of the forms of treatment, which I am strong advocate for, is therapy. There’re multifold of misconceptions on therapy, and some people want to handle it themselves with God alone. Despite the misconceptions, therapists and counselors are another member on your team to help with your victory of the mental illness. We are more than conquerors, so must take the first steps and be more than conquerors. Professional services provide an unbiased, perspective that dissects the issue and guides with problem-solving. Most insurances are now covering therapy sessions and make it more readily available for all. For convenience of some, sites can provide e-counseling sessions. In a nutshell, resources are bountiful for leading a life of victory.
As mental illness continues to be pushed towards the front on platforms, let us help in those efforts. Sitting with the problem does absolutely nothing. NADA. I have listed resources below to aid with familiarity of what is available. As the next service approach us, we take authority of Mental Illness. It came to service, but it will not leave out the service.