EMPOWER HER BLOG: LET'S TALK MENTAL HEALTH
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According to Mental Health America, nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year.
However, 49 percent of pastors say they rarely or never speak to their congregation about mental illness.
65 percent of churchgoing family members of those with mental illness want their church to talk openly about mental illness.
And, 59 percent of those actually suffering from mental illness say the same.
If you have been in a church community long enough, you will discover there is a perception most church goers tend to convey what I call: 'egg faith'.
Egg faith is one having the mindset to appear spiritually strong however they never or rarely consider seeking help when going through a mental crisis.
Let me further explain.
If you were to hold an egg in your hand, you will notice the hard exterior it has.
It’s practically solid!
Yet, if you drop the egg or even hold it too tightly the egg will more than likely crack and you will notice its mushy interior.
Sadly, the same can be said about people with egg faith.
On the outside, the person may appear spiritually and mentally strong, yet the moment life’s pressure becomes too much for the person they will more than likely crack and you find they are not as strong as they once appeared.
Now, I’m not sharing this as judgement.
If I can be transparent, I too, have been a person who possessed egg faith!
In fact, almost six years ago, I tried to end my life due to life’s pressures.
At the time, I considered myself as christian.
I went to church regularly.
I even served within the church community.
Yet, life was kicking my butt mentally!
While I appeared happy and strong in faith to others, I was silently battling suicidal thoughts, depression, and more.
I, too, was ashamed and embarrassed to reach out to my church community.
And, honestly, I don’t ever recall a sermon or group within the community that shared helpful information on mental health topics.
It is only by the grace of God that I am here!
Never allow the lies of the enemy to silence your pain.
With this being said, I believe it’s time to end the egg faith stigma within church culture and start practicing the art of transparency explained in James 5:16.
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16 NLT
Or, even intentionally pray for our loved ones as explained in 1 Thessalonians 5:25
“Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us.” 1 Thessalonians 5:25 NLT
There’s no need for anyone to suffer in silence as Christians, for we were never meant to do life alone!
Mental Health Resources
Many people can and will be impacted by mental health.
This means you, too, Honey Bunches!
To better prepare you or your loved ones on the topic of mental health, answer the following:
When is the last time I’ve checked in with my strong friend, church/family member?
How often do I call someone when I’m having a low moment?
What proactive steps can I take within my church community to shed light on mental health?
Honey Bunches, if you are having a mental health crisis, don’t be ashamed, seek help!
In the US, there is a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available to you 24/7:
Call now at 800-273-8255
Now, I’m not going to let you leave this post without some more biblical empowerment!
Check out the following scriptures whenever you are having a low moment:
Psalms 119:81-112
1 Peter 5:7
The entire book of Job 😉
•••
FAITH NUGGETS
Never allow the lies of the enemy to silence your pain.
We were never meant to do life alone!
BIBLICAL REFERENCES
Psalms 119:81-112
1 Peter 5:7
We provide faith-based resources to help women grow stronger in faith.
Today's Post is a part of our Recap Refresh Series. As our Empower Her Team is taking time to unplug, our Recap Refresh series helps you to recap on previous content. With each content, we pray it serves as a refresher on how you can grow stronger in faith. We certainly hope you enjoyed today's post and look forward to seeing you again next week!
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