Today we’re gonna talk about how we need each other in the fight for mental health.
I’m Angela Howard and my passion is to break the stigma of mental health issues among fellow Christians. If you’re new to my channel please subscribe and don’t forget to click on that notifications bell so you don’t miss out on any of the new content.
Some of you may remember the 1980’s movie Chariots of Fire where the story of Eric Liddell, an Olympic gold medalist runner and Christian missionary is portrayed on screen. Liddell later writes in his book The Disciplines of the Christian Life, “Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God’s plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins. Our broken lives are not lost or useless. God’s love is still working!”
When we are in the middle of a mental health struggle it can be easy to wonder if our lives, or the lives of our loved ones are wrecked, side-lined, and stripped of purpose. We wonder how God can put the pieces back together and make something beautiful out of the brokenness. But that’s exactly His specialty. God’s love was not only given to us through his son Jesus, but his love is lived out through those who follow him.
I know you might be skeptical because people are flawed and we’re gonna mess up, but John 13:35 says “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” One of the most beautiful ways we can love one another is in our struggles, in our messiness, and in the places where we need healing.
Why do we need each other in the fight for mental health?
#1—We need to know we are not alone. Statistics show about 20% of Americans experience mental illness in a given year. This isn’t someone else problem. This is OUR problem. Our families, our neighbors, our friends, US. When we lean into one another it dispels the lie that we are alone.
#2—We need to learn from each other. My husband was diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder 13 years ago. I’ve read just about every book that I could get my hand on since then, but this year I heard some stories from other families who are fighting through the illness and those personal stories were so impactful. They made difference in my life and gave me a perspective that I never had before.
#3—We need hope. When we are isolated fear creeps in and hope dies off. We need other believers to remind us that there’s hope. There’s hope for new treatments, and for finding a counselor we really connect with. There’s hope in Christ for today, for tomorrow, and for eternity.
We were made to live in community so that we can encourage each other with truth. Remember what Psalm 147:3 says…
Scripture
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
Question:
What ideas do you have to break the stigma of mental illness? I’d love to hear from you today, comment below.
No more confusion or wondering how you’ll face the roller coaster of life with mental illness. Mental Health Academy is here to take the mystery away, and give you the knowledge and the tools you need to have relationships that last! The time is NOW to get our first course: Trauma.
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