What about our mental health? 

Everyone has been affected in one way or another by mental illness, and it is our duty as Christians to help ourselves and our brethren. In a YouTube video, our Founder and Director, Dr. Atasha Jordan, explained reasons why we should care about mental illness as a Christian.  

Today, we’ll go over those points and dive deeper to see the importance of mental health in our church communities. 

Spiritual health and mental health are similar but not the same

Spiritual health is connected to mental health. Thus, issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress can affect a person’s ability to connect with their faith. 

Mental illness is very common

According to NAMI, 21% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2020 (52.9 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults. In addition, 16.5% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 experienced a mental health disorder in 2016 (7.7 million people). 

People of faith are more likely to go to faith leaders during psychological distress

For many individuals, the church can be a place of refuge and safety. However, this is only possible when mental health is prioritized. Creating a supportive environment where people feel comfortable discussing their mental health struggles can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Let’s dive deeper into more reasons why mental health is important for Christians. Let’s get an A in this class of life! 

Mental Health Can Affect Church Attendance

Individuals struggling with mental health issues may find it challenging to attend church regularly. This can lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection from the church community. By prioritizing mental health and creating a supportive environment, individuals struggling with their mental health are more likely to attend church and engage with their faith.

Mental Health Support Can Improve Overall Health

Mental health is interconnected with physical health, and neglecting mental health can lead to physical health issues. By prioritizing mental health in the church, individuals can improve their overall health and well-being, which can lead to a more fulfilling life and a stronger connection to their faith.

Mental Health Support Can Help Break Down Barriers

Mental health issues affect individuals from all walks of life, and breaking down barriers and reducing stigma surrounding mental health can help create a more inclusive and supportive church community. 

In conclusion, mental health is crucial in the church. By promoting mental health, the church can create a supportive environment that fosters spirituality, community, and personal growth. The church can also play an essential role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and providing support for individuals struggling with their mental health. Our community needs us. Our community needs you. 

Be sure to join us in our upcoming Mental Health Symposium on Saturday, May 13th at 10 AM EST to learn more about the importance of mental health in our church…and also to get an A+ in this class of life! See you there. 

The post Mental Health: Why Should Christians Care About it ? appeared first on CMHI.

Who saves the hero? 

Better yet still, who pastors the pastor? 

Who can pastors run to when they are going through a divorce, the death of a loved one, or a terminal illness?  Who will listen when they, too, are having struggles with faith, doubt, guilt, or shame? Who should they discuss their everyday struggles involving fatigue, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts? 

Many times, a pastor has no one to turn to. 

Pastors have many things on their plates at any given time, which include but are not limited to preparing for Sunday sermons, visiting the sick and shut-in, and performing funeral rites. The expectation is to be perfect experts in their fields, with no struggles of their own, to know all of the answers to congregations’ questions about life.  The load is far too much, and the burnout is far too real. 

Pastoral Burnout

According to the survey study by Barna Group, 42% of pastors have considered leaving full-time ministry as of March 2022. 

Yes, they may have other pastors or more experienced mentors and leaders to speak to, but the question to ponder is:  Are they speaking to each other only about church logistics or also about the physical, mental, and emotional toil of ministry? Based on the same survey study by Barna Group, the top 3 reasons Pastors have considered leaving full-time ministry are due to 1) the immense stress of the job, 2) feeling lonely and isolated, and 3) current political divisions. 

Society does not allow pastors to be humans. However, when the helper needs help, we need to make sure to give them the space to take off their capes.  

The situation is dire, and that’s where counseling and therapy come in. 

According to Dr. Jessica Lammers, Psychiatrist & Assistant Professor at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center Counseling, counseling and (psycho) therapy are often used interchangeably. However, there are some differences.  Counseling tends to be focused on one specific issue and considered a short-term treatment,” she describes, “…[while] psychotherapy tends to treat a broader range of issues and more complex problems. It can be a long-term treatment.” – (https://health.osu.edu/health/mental-health/therapy-vs-counseling-is-there-a-difference)

5 Reasons why a Pastor could benefit from therapy

There are many things to consider as to which treatment may be right for you, but here are a few reasons why a Pastor may benefit from therapy or counseling. 

1. Personal Growth: Counseling or therapy can help pastors grow emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. It can help them develop greater self-awareness, empathy, and compassion for others.
2. Mental Health: Pastors may benefit from counseling or therapy for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, and trauma.
3. Relationship Issues: Pastors may struggle with interpersonal conflicts or relationship issues in their personal and professional lives. Counseling or therapy can help them navigate these issues and develop healthier relationships.
4. Leadership Challenges: Pastors often carry a significant amount of responsibility in their roles as leaders. Counseling or therapy can help them develop greater self-confidence, improve communication skills, and learn effective strategies for managing stress and conflict.
5. Spiritual Concerns: Pastors may benefit from counseling or therapy for spiritual concerns such as doubts, questions, or struggles with faith. It can help them deepen their spiritual practice and develop a stronger sense of connection with God.

Overall, counseling and therapy can provide another outlet for healing and release. It will give Pastors the space to fall, get back up, and come back stronger. It will help pastors to be human. 

If you are a Pastor, I pray this post gives you insight into the importance of your mental health. Whether you want a Christian or non-religious counselor/therapist or not, the choice is also yours. There is no judgment. Below, please find additional resources to help you on your journey of being a better you. 

Resources:

1. Gravity Leadership https://gravityleadership.com/pastor-emotional-health/
2. American Association of Christian Counselors: https://www.aacc.net/
3. Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation: https://www.ccef.org/
4. National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/index.shtml
5. Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
6. The American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/

The post Pastors and Therapy – 5 reasons why a Pastor could benefit from therapy appeared first on CMHI.

Grief and loss are inevitable parts of human life and can be difficult to face alone. It is a complex process that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and isolated. These emotions can be caused by the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, failing an exam, or any other significant event that results in the loss of something or someone important.

Losing a loved one brings out feelings and emotions within us that we may not know are there. The process is different for everyone, but there are some universal emotions that most people experience during these times. Such emotions include but are not limited to:  

• Sadness 
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Anger 
• Guilt 
• Fatigue
• Shock
• Numbness 
• Relief 

These emotions–both conscious and unconscious– remind us of our humanity and frailty. Humanity because we are able to come together and revere the loss of a loved one; frailty because life has escaped us, and we experience Pandora’s box surrounding death. The good news is that there are ways to cope with grief and loss. In this post, we will discuss the grieving process and provide tips on coping with grief and loss.

Understanding the stages of grief can provide insight into what to expect. 

Stages of Grief 

The stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Grief expert and psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross first identified the five stages of grief in her groundbreaking book, “On Death and Dying,” published in 1969.  

More recently, David Kessler, a co-author of other works with Kubler-Ross, discussed the possibility of a sixth stage, the stage of “meaning.”

These stages are not necessarily experienced in order or all at once. Rather, they are a way to help us process our feelings and come to terms with our loss. Each stage offers its own challenges and opportunities for growth as we work toward acceptance.

Palliative Care has been instrumental in our healthcare system to help us welcome and embrace the end of one’s life; it creates space for peace and dignity. The more aware we are of the grieving process, the better we are able to cope with it. It is possible to recover from and come out on the other side feeling stronger than before, no matter how long it takes. 

To guide you in the process, here are three ways to cope with grief and loss:

Seek support from family and friends

It’s okay not to be okay. Reaching out to friends and family for support as you process your feelings about your loss is an essential part of the healing journey. Our support system provides a safe place to remove your cape and efficiently grieve your loved one. True vulnerability shows up and allows one to receive essential help. Whether it’s someone to talk to, cherish memories with, buy groceries, or sit in silence, having someone you have access to can ensure that we are grieving wholly. 

Self-Care Activities for Grief and Loss

Doing activities that bring joy can remind us that we are still alive. Yes, a loved one has passed, but their legacy lives on within us. Self-care activities rejuvenate our souls and spirit. If certain activities bring more sorrow than happiness, it’s okay. Perhaps it may not be time. Find an activity that makes you smile or laugh and hold on to it. “What’s your Grief” provides a practical list of self-care ideas. 

Professional Help 

Therapy is not to be overlooked in our grieving process. The safe space to just be and sit in each phase of the grieving process ensures that you are doing the work.  Therapy and counseling allow for the deep work of feelings, thoughts, and actions. Websites such as PsychologyToday and BetterHelp can help find therapists or counselors in your local area. Tips on selecting a good therapist can be found through the American Psychological Association.

Grieving properly allows for growth when the world seems to stop, peace during chaos, and hope in tribulation. 

It is our hope and prayer that you still believe you are blessed even in this time of grief. 

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted – MATTHEW 5:4 

The post Grief and Loss: How to Cope with Losing a Loved One appeared first on CMHI.

Devastation and despair hit my home community as we discovered a pastor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist ended his own life to escape the pain and hurt of this world. Questions flooded the lives of close family, friends, and the church community. “What if?” “Why?” “How?” 

 

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The Impact of Suicide Loss

Every suicide is a tragedy. It has a ripple effect that impacts families, friends, colleagues, communities and societies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease, study estimate that almost 800,000 people die from suicide every year. That’s one person every 40 seconds. Furthermore, for each suicide, there are more than 20 suicide attempts. 

The pain, guilt, shame, and despair of survivors of suicide loss are real. It is apparent in their day-to-day lives. However, it isn’t discussed much in mainstream media.

As the holidays are quickly approaching, the absence of loved ones who died by suicide may open up old or fresh wounds. To support survivors of suicide loss, there is a day set apart to focus on unity and healing.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention describes International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, (ISOSLD or Suicide Loss Day) as an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experiences. Senator Harry Reid, who had lost his father to suicide, established Suicide Loss Day in 1999, and it has been observed every Saturday before Thanksgiving of each year. 

Every year, Suicide Loss Day occurs in November as a day to highlight those who live with the memories and hurt of losing a loved one to suicide.

To commemorate, CHMI wants to stand with you. We celebrate the steps you’ve taken to heal. We celebrate how you are wading through the grief of losing someone you love. It wasn’t easy. It may still not be easy, but we are here to join you on this journey and share messages of hope:

 

You are not alone 

 

Suicide can be isolating. Family members and communities of friends struggle to understand what they’ve all experienced. However, it is vital to connect with others in memory of a loved one who died by suicide and how it has impacted your life. Your feelings are valid. Speaking with friends, families, and mental health professionals ensures a healthy community despite adversity. 

 

 

It is not your fault

Feelings of guilt following suicide are very common. We have the mistaken belief that we should have, could have, and would have prevented the death from happening. Reality is: we can not predict the future or fully understand the intentions of another person’s actions. While we may not be able to go back in time, we can always learn what signs to look for to prevent future suicide in our societies. 

 

Healing takes time 

Grief is complicated. Rather than trying to get over it, the aim is to grow through it. Everyone has their own coping mechanism. Extend yourself grace and allow time and space to heal that is specific to you. Whether it takes days, weeks, months, or years, let’s cherish the memories of our loved ones and seek to take care of our mental health as well. Seeking mental health care also helps us to achieve healing one step at a time.  

 

Resources for Survivors of Suicide Loss

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides many resources for survivors of suicide loss. This year, let’s join the fight against suicide. Let’s join support groups with other survivors of suicide loss or attend virtual or in-person events to bring awareness. Whatever you decide to do, please know that it makes a difference in your life and the lives around you. Together we will heal and thrive in hope. 

 

If you or anyone you know may be in suicide, mental health, or substance use crisis in the US, please call 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now called the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

 

 

 For International countries, please find the suicide hotline on this directory.

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Check out our other blog posts to learn more about living a mentally healthy life as a Christian.

 

Join our mailing list to receive updates about our mental health training opportunities.

 

 

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The post Suvivor of Suicide Loss Day: Coping with the death of a loved one due to suicide appeared first on CMHI.