On World Mental Health Day we take a moment to look at what mental health is and reflect on any barriers that could be impacting our mental health.
In Numbers 11 verses 10-15, the Israelites had been complaining to Moses about the lack of variety in their food. They were tired of manna and longed for the pleasures from Egypt. In reply, Moses complained to God and said in verse 15 “if this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me”.
The World Health Organisation defines Mental Health as a state of wellbeing in which every individual
– realises his or her own potential
– can cope with normal stresses in life
– can work productively and fruitfully
– is able to make a contribution to her or his community
Health is not about being free of TB or HIV or hypertension or cancer etc. Mental health is not being free of schizophrenia or substance abuse or depression; it’s about well-being accompanied by the 4 characteristics as defined by the World Health Organisation. I will go into detail in the next few publications discussing depression, substances, anxiety, stress etc.
Mental health is about pausing from our business and busyness to reflect on our emotional health.
Moses was overwhelmed doing God’s work and requested to die. Some people even get overwhelmed to the point of taking their own lives (suicide) or trying to take their own lives (para suicide). Mental health is about pausing from our business and busyness to reflect on our emotional health. Are we managing, are we thriving, are we struggling or are we overwhelmed? If we evaluate ourselves honestly, we will be able to pick up where we need to pause on the journey and get a service. We all need help at one time or another. There is no shame in being mentally ill or not managing. The challenge is when we ignore the emotional alarms or put on a “brave face” for society.
John 10:10 says “I have come that you may have life and have it in abundance”. This to me is the goal of our mental health. Life in abundance. Not fine, not okay, not surviving; life in abundance. Reflect on the barriers to your mental health today as well as pray about what mental health and “life in abundance” could look like for you.
Thank you for sharing on the important topic. I am encouraged by the statement that, “we all need help at one time or another.” It’s true and sometimes we try to do it all by ourselves. I don’t think God intended that.
One of the things that helps me is the hope we have in Christ. Romans 15:13 tells us that God is the God of hope.
This is indeed an important topic. The significance of the hope we find in Jesus cannot be overstated. We need to encourage dialogue and normalise reaching out when it comes to our mental health!