Read on Twitter
Pastors & Struggling w/ Mental Illness(es):Earlier I responded to a question regarding what nuances should be included in a sermon about depression/suicide. I didn't think my response would encourage as many people as it did, so I thought I'd share expanded content here:
1. Dissolve the false dichotomy which says: mental illness is a sign of spiritual immaturity, or not being saved. Christians are not exempt from mental illness b/c the fall in (Gen 3) was a holistic fall. For some of us full healing may not take place until Glory & that's okay.
2. Express the need for a healing team that includes; a therapist, meds (if needed), care from local pastor, & a trusting inner circle (2-4 people) who can create safe space of supporting before, during, & after the darkest moments of the fight.
3. Reading Scripture, especially the Psalms, is deeply helpful. It doesn't automatically remove the anxiety, battle, pain, and struggle but it provides us with Esperanza (or Hope) in the midst the hell we're facing. It reminds our humanity, the Redeemer of our soul is still here.
4. Lastly, since this is a personal struggle of mine, I've been open about thoughts, feelings, etc during my low/darkest moments, & this has been inviting for others to do the same.
It helps remind our congregations we're human too and are in need of Jesus as much as they do.
It helps remind our congregations we're human too and are in need of Jesus as much as they do.
I received this question: "what does applying #2 (the inner circle) look like?
My Answer: For me personally, I brought my wife & 3-4 brothers into my struggles. I worked hard to find the best language possible to explain to them what I'm enduring.
My Answer: For me personally, I brought my wife & 3-4 brothers into my struggles. I worked hard to find the best language possible to explain to them what I'm enduring.
When I was finally diagnosed, my Psychiatrist helped me refine my language & those in my inner circle were kept abreast. I shared with them the following:
1- the lies I often believe during my darkest struggles
1- the lies I often believe during my darkest struggles
2- the clinical behavior techniques I learned
3- childhood pain/trauma that serves as a bridge to my present anxieties.
We decided we'd learn together how to help/support me. So grace is breathed out by each of us, on each of us as we're all on this journey together.
3- childhood pain/trauma that serves as a bridge to my present anxieties.
We decided we'd learn together how to help/support me. So grace is breathed out by each of us, on each of us as we're all on this journey together.
Lastly, I pastored for 11 years with undiagnosed mental illnesses. It wasn't until last Nov I officially got diagnosed. Being as a pastor, while trusting other brothers/pastors, was a life saver for me. It also helped my wife know there were others supporting me & she's not alone
