Hope and Help in Time of Need
Mental Health Awareness
Nearly 47 Million
Mental health is a topic that people of faith and the Church as a whole often wrestle with and have difficulty understanding. That’s because it’s messy. It challenges some of our core beliefs and frequently leaves Christians with more questions than answers.
Yet, one out of five adults in this country (nearly 47 million) will experience some form of mental illness each year. Depression and anxiety are among the most commonly diagnosed disorders, and sadly, suicide is a tragic consequence for hurting and desperate people. The statistics are sobering: suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals ages 10-34 – and 22 of our veterans die by suicide every day. Yes, life is full of challenges, but there is hope!
Allowing Christ to Speak
First Corinthians 12:26 (NASB) tells us, “If one member suffers, all members suffer with it.” The truth is that Scripture has much to say about emotional and mental health as well as relational and spiritual well-being. Even though an entire continuum of care may be needed in some cases, allowing Christ to speak in and through us can make all the difference in a person’s life. The good news is that we are not without real answers.
The Keys for Living offer biblical hope and practical help for real life challenges. These resources are designed to help you – and help you help others. Categories in the Keys for Living Library include Marriage and Family, Crisis and Trauma, Addiction and Recovery, Thoughts and Emotions, and more. The Keys are helpful tools that show us that God’s Word truly is “a lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105) – and that Christ will always point the way to freedom and transformation.
Responding to Mental Illness with Hope
When it comes to mental illness, the body of Christ often lacks awareness or too often looks the other way. The topics of depression, anxiety, addiction, and suicide are difficult and awkward subjects for many. We may not know exactly what to say, how to best respond, or be able to offer any kind of tangible help.
Yet, the statistics challenge us as the Church – and because May is National Mental Health Awareness Month – they should also motivate us. Nearly 18 million Americans will have at least one major depressive episode this year. Fifty percent of all mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% by age 24. Sadly, the average delay between the onset of mental health symptoms and receiving any form of care or treatment is an astonishing 11 years. So what’s the answer?
God Does Not Leave Us Without Hope
Thankfully, God does not leave us without hope or direction. In today’s world, we must find ways to effectively connect a life in crisis with a life in Christ. One exciting new resource is Lifeline to Hope, an innovative, interactive, and video-based lay caregiver training course. Lifeline to Hope is designed to equip and empower people to come alongside those who are struggling in life, broken, or in pain.
In many ways, the “laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37) when it comes to addressing this critical need in the Church today. Individuals who feel called to the sacred trust of people-helping ministries have the opportunity to become “ambassadors of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:20) as they provide support, encouragement, and spiritual care. You can make a difference – become a lifeline to hope!
Sheltering in Faith
The Coronavirus pandemic has impacted and disrupted our way of life . . . forcing most of us into a “new normal.” Although medical and economic issues have taken center stage, it may be the hidden wounds of ongoing stress that will linger long into the coming months and perhaps beyond. Depression and suicide, alcoholism and substance use, marital and family stress, domestic violence and more, have all seen dramatic increases as a result of the outbreak. One out of every four children will experience a traumatic event before they reach the age of 16. An estimated 40 million American adults (19%) will suffer from anxiety related disorders this year, but barely one-third will actually receive any care or help. What does God’s Word have to say about these significant needs?
Only the Prince of Peace can calm the anxious soul and bring a peace that “passes all understanding” . . . something that the world simply cannot give to us (Phil. 4:7; Jn. 14:27). Hope for the Heart offers Keys for Living that are designed to bring biblical hope and practical help on over 100 topics, topics that touch our lives, our relationships, our struggles and concerns. Whether it’s to help you or to help you help others, the good news is that we are not without real answers to some of life’s toughest questions. Categories include Marriage and Family, Crisis and Trauma, Addiction and Recovery, Thoughts and Emotions and more. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is [his] faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22-23).
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month.
