Why the Church Should Talk About Mental Health By Gracie Rymel Featured Contributor
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s someone who has grown up in the Church and struggles with mental illness, I can tell you that it has not always been easy to talk about.
We have been taught to enter the Church doors with a smile on our face and pretend that everything is okay. It seems ironic to me that we are supposed to bring our heavy burdens to the altar but, oh wait, did you say anxiety or thoughts of suicide? I wonder what would happen if the Church started treating mental health as important as physical health? How much more willing people would be to share their brokenness. Mental illness is something that leaves you feeling very isolated and alone, no matter how much support you have from others. Anxiety can convince your brain that you don’t have any friends, you are not loved, and that you are too much of a burden. Trust me, I have felt that way plenty of times. While it may be difficult to understand, there is so much power in presence and the act of simply just being there. We, as the Christian community, are called to be in relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, whatever the case may be. No exceptions.
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ARKANSAS UNITED METHODIST
ARUMC.ORG
