Our confirmation students and their parents recently joined together with Salem, Bethesda, and Zion for Mental Health awareness night. Churches play a vital role in supporting mental health. We (the church) provide a safe place for people to find comfort and assistance. Often times the church is the first place a person needing support comes. With that being said, it is important that we continue to create a culture where people with mental illness can feel supported and safe. How do we do that? Here are some ideas that may inspire you.

 

1. Staff and volunteer training: equip key people in the church to recognize and appropriately respond to mental health needs

2. Start a mental health team: create a team of individuals who learn how to help others cope with mental health struggles and teach the congregation how to take care of their own mental health.

3. Partner with a mental health organization: collaborate with an existing community organization to expand awareness, create response networks, and provide preventative care.

4. Host events: organize and hold a mental health conference or training

5. Become a reliable source of information: put together a list of information and services that are accurate and up-to-date.

 

Some people may be afraid to share their struggles for fear of being judged or rejected. Our church strives to be a place where people can feel unconditional love and care. We can further express the love of Christ by tending to everyone’s mental health. Our whole selves are physical, mental, and spiritual. Spiritual wellbeing does not stand alone; it is connected to our physical and mental wellbeing.

 

If you feel called to any of these suggestions (or another), please let me know. I will put you in touch with folks that have resources for you. Outside of that, if you are concerned about your mental health, please see me. I want to help you and I will

keep everything we talk about confidential. If you aren’t sure

about talking to anybody you know, please check out the

resources found at  www.nemnsynod.org/mental-health.

 

Peace and wellbeing be with you,

Pr. Luke