Mental Health Matters
I recently came across the following saying: “One out of four people in this country is mentally unbalanced. Think of your three closest friends… if they seem okay, then you’re the one!”
We can chuckle, but the truth is mental health is something that affects us all. Keeping good mental health all of the time is probably an impossible task; all of us will stumble at some point and the effects and severity of this will vary from person to person. Mental health matters, not only because it affects the functionality of the individual concerned, but also because it can dramatically impact their physical wellbeing, not to mention cause distress and worry to their loved ones and/or themselves.
The topic of mental health has been widespread in the media of late, helping to reduce much of the stigma associated with it. Our Church, in various ways, has addressed the issue over the years, but there is still work to do. As Rev Peter Lyle, who bravely shares his experience of depression, comments, “For all the progress made, mental health issues are still perceived, by many, as personal weakness or an inability to cope with what’s on your plate.”
It was these misconceptions and the apparent rise in mental health difficulties that led to this themed edition of the Herald. I hope inside you will find something that is relevant, interesting or helpful to you or someone you know.
Many contributors reflect that being a person of faith can increase the stigma – there is often an assumption that Christians should not struggle mentally – and this can cause guilt and an unwillingness to open up or seek help. Conversely, trusting in God is a significant factor involved in healing, or at least in persevering.
Sharon Hastings who tells her story of living with a severe mental illness says, “We…can continue to praise God in our frailty.” She testifies to the truth of 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But [Jesus] said to me, ‘My grace is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Peter Lyle believes that the church has a unique opportunity to support people and bring about change: “…as a family of faith – sharing life together – allowing people the place to talk openly and honestly.”
At the start of a new year and new decade, I hope and pray that this edition of the Herald will stimulate some honest conversations, increase an awareness of what people struggle with, and prompt anyone who feels the burden of mental health difficulties to seek and find the help they need.
The Presbyterian Herald is the official magazine of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. It provides a forum for debate and discussion on a wide range of topics and aims to challenge and encourage Presbyterians, as well as inform them about what the wider Church is involved in. It has a readership in excess of 25,000 and is distributed throughout Ireland.
To find out more go to www.presbyterianireland.org/herald