by Charleen Burghardt
“Mom, they are going to come to get me,” he said.
“Who is coming to get you?”
“The people on the computer.”
“Do they know where you live?” She asked and then explained that people couldn’t come get him unless they had a physical address.
This mother knew her son was experiencing paranoia. But would he be open to receiving help? Where would she find resources for mental health?
This story plays out in many families sidelined by mental illness.
Statistics show that one in five adults deal with mental illness.
One in Five
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
You may know someone, have someone in your family, or you may be struggling with mental health issues.
We are all vulnerable, as well as our families, to mental health problems. Mental illness disregards education, economic status, family dynamics, or excellent health care. Many times, it is unsuspected, with no physical signs. This challenging disease is much like cancer, which does not discriminate against whom it hits.
Struggling with mental illness can be hard to understand. But, as someone who walked this road, it can be frightening, and no amount of willpower can change the distressing thoughts or mood.
We previously shrouded mental health concerns in secrecy and social stigma; conversations about psychiatric conditions occurred in hushed whispers behind closed doors. Fear and lack of understanding caused many to back away from these disorders. Individuals or families experienced embarrassment, thinking that somehow they were at fault. Rather than learning about unknowns, we often navigated in the opposite direction.
Secrecy, Fear, Lack of Understanding
Society, in general, has been guilty of not educating itself, and the church has been especially guilty. Some in the church saw mental illness as a spiritual issue of lacking faith, not forgiving, or not understanding God’s Word. Because of this thinking in the church, shame followed individuals who struggle with mental health issues; many experienced disgrace and defeat because of being unable to overcome depression or anxiety. Laziness or character flaws do not cause mental disorders.
Once Taboo
Hopefully, the subject is no more considered taboo with all the new scientific findings on brain studies. When we educate ourselves on mental illness, as I did when my oldest became mentally ill, we understand these illnesses to be brain dysfunction. Genetics, environment, and neurobiology influence mental illness.
Brain dysfunction is invisible; therefore, a band-aid or a plaster cast can’t remedy the condition. Science is yet to figure out all the workings of the brain, and many unknowns remain. However, I want to acknowledge that trauma, abuse, and stress can trigger chemical imbalance.
Even though much is unknown, in the last few decades new research came to light and new treatments developed. Front-line medications help with therapies, including individual therapy, support groups, and peer-to-peer support. Learning coping strategies, identifying triggers, self-awareness, and modifying the environment help. A robust support system such as family and friends stands crucial to gaining stability. Prayer and a faith community can also be essential supports.
Good Support System
In the early years of my son’s diagnosis, I ask myself, “Where is God in mental illness?” So I became a student of finding God in mental illness. Little did I know at the time that the faithfulness of God sustained me. In addition, God brought wonderful, supportive people into my life to journey with my family.
Where is God?
- God does not abandon those with mental health disorders. Hebrews 13:5
- God is present in each situation, and God is present in suffering. Hebrews 2:18
- God is big enough to handle mental health
- God gives strength and comfort, Psalms 46:1 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
- God answers our prayers by bringing supportive people, good medical care, and other resources. God is faithful, Lamentations 3:22
From my growth in understanding mental illness, here are a few things we can do.
- Educate yourself on mental health and the treatments for mental illness
- Be open to befriending someone with a mental health issue, and listen to their story
- Show unconditional love and be compassionate
- Advocate for better mental health treatments and resources
- Reach out to families who have loved ones with mental challenges; the families need your love and compassion
- Pray for the person with mental challenges and pray for their family
Show Compassion and Listen
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, is a great place to start. Methodist Healthcare provides a helpful site for early warning signs and ways to respond.
If you or anyone you know struggles with mental health issues, I encourage you to seek medical help. We all are flawed, living in a broken world.
I hope this post gave insight into mental illness.
Thank you Charleen for writing and reminding those of us affected by various types of mental illness. No family is immune but support of others is essential and it starts with education. God always does promise that He will provide in the darkest valleys.
Mary, Thank you for your response to my article on mental illness. We all need each other.
Such good reminders!
So often we Christians inflict more pain on our wounded right when support is needed the most.
God enjoys us!
Very well said, and you covered the issues.