How Churches Need to Change the Narrative About Mental Health

Replace Stigma with Love

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

It should not be news to anyone that we are experiencing a mental health crisis in our country. Mental health issues affect people of all ages, but its impact on our youth is staggering.

Between 2015 and 2019, there has been a slight decrease in the number of adults self-reporting a mental health condition. The number of youth dealing with mental health disorders continues to rise. All the reasons why are beyond the scope of this article, but will be covered in a future piece.

Despite the attention given to mental health disorders and the significant rise in resources available, the suicide rates among teens and young adults has reached its highest level since 2000. With more awareness of the issue and more preventative programs in place, children and young adults continue to take their own lives at an alarming rate.

Suicide has become the second-largest cause of death among teenagers; second only to traffic accidents. Far from being immune, recent studies have found that those with deeply held religious beliefs are more prone to suicidal ideation.

How do we, as the body of Christ, do more to help those struggling with mental health issues? The most important first step is to remove the topic from being a taboo topic we do not openly discuss. We cannot help those we do not know are hurting, and we do not know they are hurting because our world has created a culture of shame around mental health issues.

It is time to break the cycle, stamp out the taboo and open a narrative about supporting those who feel isolated in their illness.

Our church has a ministry to provide meals to those who are undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy, have suffered an accident, the loss of a loved one, or welcomed a new baby. It is one small way we love our church family. It is a simple ministry to ease a small burden during a time of need.

However, we have never brought a meal to a family because mom was suffering a major depressive episode, or because a child was just diagnosed with schizophrenia. This is not because those who serve in this ministry wouldn’t love to help, but because they don’t know. The culture of silence and shame about mental health issues keeps people suffering in silence.

It is time to educate ourselves, and then our church families about mental health awareness. Someone you know suffers from a mental health disorder. Boldly refuse to cave to the idea that it is taboo to talk about. Ask if they are okay. Create a safe place for them to answer honestly, without fear of reprisal, gossip or shame.

Those involved with youth ministry need to be trained to recognize the signs of mental illness and should have an action plan to reach any young person who seems to be struggling. Talk about mental health in your youth groups, and don’t be afraid of the hard topics like suicide.

We know these kids are living in a world where virtually all of them know someone who as attempted, or completed suicide. It isn’t putting ideas into their heads to talk openly about this and other sensitive subjects. Right now, their information is coming from their peers and social media. Why not counter that with candid conversations grounded in biblical truths?

To those Christians who live with a mental health disorder, we need your boldness and your bravery. Step forward with your wisdom about what can be done to support you and others. You can break the chains of fear that keep so many from seeking the help they need. Give your testimony if you can. Boldly proclaim your needs and how the church can help meet them. If that is a step you are not ready to take, then turn to trusted members of your church family, and confide in them what you are dealing with. When you speak out about your struggle, you educate those who do not know about the struggles of living with a mental health disorder. More importantly, you give courage to those who are still silent and afraid to speak.

Let us join together to start a dialogue about what we, as the body of Christ, can do to support families who are impacted by mental health issues. When we do that, we begin to peel away the stigma and open the door to new ministries.

Does your church have a ministry for those with mental illnesses? If so, please share the scope of that ministry and the effect it is having in the comments. Share your ideas and suggestions, because we need to break these chains of shame and silence and start a dialogue that effects real change in our churches.