Read on TwitterEarlier I responded to a question regarding what nuances should be included in a sermon about depression/suicide. I didn& #39;t think my response would encourage as many people as it did, so I thought I& #39;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& #39;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& #39;t automatically remove the anxiety, battle, pain, and struggle but it provides us with Esperanza (or Hope) in the midst the hell we& #39;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& #39;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& #39;re human too and are in need of Jesus as much as they do.
It helps remind our congregations we& #39;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& #39;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& #39;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
