When we are uncomfortable with a topic we don’t want to engage in a conversation about it. This is what frequently happens with the church and engaging in a conversation about mental illness. Unfortunately, this oversight doesn’t make the mental illnesses go away. This quote from C.S. Lewis really seemed to fit this discussion.
“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say “My tooth is aching” than to say “My heart is broken.”
C.S. Lewis (The Problem of Pain)
Here are some facts, y’all. 1 in 25 (10 million) adults in America live with a serious mental illness. Every year 60% of adults experiencing a mental illness do not receive treatment.
Our problems do not go away just by ignoring them. Thankfully God’s plan for our lives includes redemption for any and all struggles.
It’s important to me that you know that redemption is an ongoing process. God has promised to complete the work He started in us (Philippians 1:6). BUT He did not promise an instant magic fix.
I’ve said it before but I want to tell you again: I will probably struggle with chronic mental illness my entire life. My depression and anxiety don’t have to disappear for me to know that God is alive and at work in me.
God has the power to remove all of our struggles but sometimes He has a different plan.
In John 9:3 (NIV) Jesus answers His disciples’ question about what sin caused a man’s blindness. Jesus said “..this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” We want there to be a clear cause for our mental illnesses and we want to know that we will be completely healed.
God doesn’t always work like that. God’s plans are often not easily discerned by us humans.
I am weak, especially on days that I feel overwhelmed by my mental illnesses. Thankfully, God is much stronger than I am. In 2 Corinthians 12:8 (NIV) Paul pleads with God for Him to take away the thorn is his flesh. God answers in verse 9 by telling Paul that “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God shows us His grace and kindness in our suffering.
It’s quite difficult for me rely on anyone else for anything, even when it’s God that I should be relying on. I share the above verse as a reminder for myself as well as for you.
God is still sovereign even when the mental illness doesn’t go away. God’s power is shown when I allow Him to work through my illnesses. Other people see the hope that Christ brings when I share how God has saved my life.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
2 Corinthians 4:7-12
Death is at work in us but so is life.
So is life.
What you need to remember:
- Mental illness isolates us from God and others.
- Mental illness feeds us lies about ourselves and others.
- Mental illnesses are real and impact people as much or more than physical illnesses.
What should you do?
- Listen to people who struggle. And when I say that, I mean listen well. (Watch this video to better understand how to do that.)
- Encourage people who are struggling with mental illness to talk to professionals or leaders.
- Remind people not to feel shame in self-care actions.
- Don’t try to offer quick fixes like praying or trusting God more. We know that your thoughts are well-intentioned but mostly we just feel ashamed that we aren’t “good enough Christians” when we receive such suggestions.
- Keep loving people even as they struggle, even when they can’t see hope, even when they’re a drag to be around.
- Take care of yourself. Set healthy boundaries in relationships with people who struggle with mental illnesses so that you don’t burn out.
- Know the signs of suicide and speak up for the safety of others.
- Don’t shame people for being human and struggling.
Ah, yes. Love that empathy video you linked to. It’s a good one. “Death is at work in us but so is life.” Amen.