Wellness Journey - Mental Wellness Dimension

 

As we continue our discussion about the dimensions of health, the next dimension that we will cover is mental wellness. Mental wellness is defined as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community". 

Recall, wellness can be characterized by 6 dimensions:

In recent times, we have seen how world events have placed a toll on our mental wellness. The COVID-19 pandemic is a example of such an event. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Many feel isolated and lonely and this can increase stress and anxiety. There are a number of things that can affect our mental wellness and it is not uncommon to experience challenges in this area at some point in your life.

We should remove any stigma about this topic. People in all walks of life can be affected. Many famous people have shared about their mental health changes including gymnast Simone Biles, tennis pro Naomi Osaka, entertainers Robin Williams, Jonathan Winters, and Rodney Dangerfield, artist Vincent Van Gogh, Cleveland Cavilers NBA player  Kevin Love , Abraham Lincoln, singer Demi Lovato, former NFL players Steve Young and Andrew Luck , Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps, actor Leonardo DiCarpio, and the great King David.

Being a disciple doesn’t mean that you will never struggle in this way. 

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.  1 John 3:2 

The passage says “one day” we will be like Him. In the meantime, we live in an earthly tent which may have an occasional leak (2 Cor 5:1).  

Just like we see medical doctors to help address physical conditions, we also have the freedom to seek professional help when we have mental wellness  struggles. God has given us a number of tools  including His amazing word, prayer, and brothers and sisters. His word can comfort us and help us express how we feel. Through prayer, we can cry out to God who hears us and is close to us when we feel distress and are broken in spirit.

Brothers and sisters can pray for us and provide encouragement. However, there may be times when we need to seek council from professionals in the mental health area.  As brothers and sisters, we should show compassion but resist the temptation to attempt to diagnose a person's mental health challenge. We should be aware of our limitations when it comes to certain subjects for example, we may not know all the details of a situation. Proverbs 16:23 says "The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction."  We should show empathy, compassion and listen non-judgmentally. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 8:34.

Listening can sometimes be a very helpful tool when supporting our brothers and sisters. We don't need to have all the answers to be part of our brother or sister's support system.  

Let’s briefly look at few passages that give us insight into this aspect of King David’s life. In a number of scriptures David was very vocal about how he was feeling and he often turned to God for help. David sometimes found himself in the valley.

Psalm 6:2-3: Have mercy on me Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. 3 My soul is in deep anguish.  How long, Lord, how long?

Psalm 13:2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Psalm 116  is a Psalm of rejoicing over the Lord’s deliverance after the Psalmist had been overcome by distress and sorrow.

We can all probably relate to some of these passages.

Life failures, trauma, unmerited persecution, and just being a human being living in a fallen world with no other reasons at all, we may find ourselves in need of help in this area of our lives. We must remember that God is good even though everything that we experience doesn’t feel good all the time. Jesus told his disciples in John 16 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  Also in Psalm 118:5 (ESV) the word says "Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free."  Learning to cope with challenges in this area in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient so that we can finish the race marked out for us. Life is a journey.  

Here are some simple screening tests to give you insights.

Here are some links to resources:

Self-help tools

Examples of signs and symptoms

Resources in Mecklenburg County and the surrounding area 

Book: Rejoice Always: A Handbook for Christians Facing Emotional Challenges by Dr. Mike and Dr. Mary Shapiro

Here are a few practical ideas that people have found helpful to reduce stress:

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed, but hearing about the pandemic constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.
• Take care of your body.
• Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
• Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
• Connect with your church. While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.

If you think you need help:

You can start by talking things over with your primary care physician or you can go directly to a mental health professional.

If you are in crisis, get immediate help:

• Call 911
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline : 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat .
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
• National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chat
• Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chat  or text: 8388255
• Disaster Distress Helpline : CALL or TEXT 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish).
• The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 – TTY Instructions

As we close...

Think about one decision to improve or maintain the quality of your mental health wellness. God loves you. He will help you. Please everyone  - lets pick up our mats and take a step.

Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 1 Thes. 1:4.