Mental health and silence
January 20, 2022
Illness has been part of the human experience since Adam and Eve. Some evident, some hidden. Mental illness is commonly an illness of silence. Making the news recently, businesses are concerned about productivity and absenteeism. Statistics show a surge in deaths of middle-aged folks due to suicide and overdoses of prescription drugs.
While causes are complicated, some chemical imbalances, some harsh life circumstances, how would Jesus respond? He would not ignore or condemn or heap guilt on the sufferer. Nor should we. Folks fear sharing their depression or mental disconnect. Are they not trusting God? Addressing the problem is the beginning of solving it.
Coming alongside another person in their time of unemployment, abandonment, illness of any kind is a beginning. That’s what Jesus would do.