How’s Your Mental Health?
Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:13 (ESV)
May is Mental Health Awareness month and we are smack-dab in the middle of it! Since 1949 this month has been set aside to encourage people to learn more, get involved, and help those who are challenged.
Recently I had the privilege to complete an adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) 10-hour course in which I learned a lot. I went into this class thinking I knew everything but found I didn’t know squat. What startled me most was that I still feel uneasy around people who are going through a serious crisis. After all these years, college, and training, I should have the skill set to deal with anything, right? Nope, it was a little awkward for me.
How can we help in difficult situations? There are several ways to be a blessing in these moments and here are just a few: access, be present, listen, encourage, be honest, considerate and show concern with direct but loving words, ask open-ended questions. And then there is self-care.
We all will experience challenges at some point during our lifetime. Treating others the way that we would want to be treated makes sense. We are never going to have all the answers because everyone is different and the scenarios vary. But when we truly care and show concern, without shying away from situations, there is a much better chance of recovery.
Let’s just change our focus for a few moments. Most of us feel a pang of sympathy for parents of challenged children and those with mental health challenges.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV).”
I do not believe that those with mental diagnosed issues are less than perfect. God simply does not make mistakes! While we tend to categorize, God does not. There is always something good to be found in every living person. It may take us longer to find it/identify it, but it’s present.
He has made everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11, ESV).
Heavenly Father, thank You for all of creation including those who are challenged. Teach us to love each one without labels and love as You do. Help us to respond using Your guidance. AMEN.