Once again I would like to briefly address the issue of Mental Health. This is something that all too often the black community in general and the black religious community tends to shy away from. We know of far too many recent suicides, even among clergy; and now in the wake of the recent suicide of comedic genius Robin Williams, it is imperative that the church begins to address this issue just as passionately and intentionally as we address many other issues pertaining to health. If we believe that Jesus came to give us life more abundantly, then we must be willing to admit that the abundant life consists of soundness of mind, body, soul and spirit. There are many persons in our families, communities, and churches who suffer in silence because no one addresses the subject of mental illness. There are many who are in despair and have no resources or information as to what to do. As churches and pastors, we must be bold enough to address such issues and be willing to admit that there are some things that we cannot just pray away. Unfortunately, we dont have a good theology for mental illness. So most religious people suffer in silence, believing they are--in fact--defective in faith and in personhood. For all who are tormented by these kinds of sicknesses: paranoid schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, mood disorders, manic depressive disorders, depressive disorders, clinical depression, etc. God help us and teach us, I pray. (thank you Dr. Valerie Hugsy Bridgeman). Having studied psychology and formerly worked in a clinical/therapeutic setting for many years, I understand the importance of clinical/therapeutic treatment. I am a staunch proponent and advocate for people who suffer from all types of anxieties and disorders to seek professional counseling. The church needs to implore resources among professionals to refer hurting/suffering congregants/pastors to. The day is long over for pastors attempting to play the role of “professional” counselors. We all need to recognize this! Furthermore, as I have previous shared, Like any other health issue, prevention is an ounce of cure! One does not have to be crazy nor mentally ill to seek therapeutic help! I am in regular, ongoing, weekly therapy/counseling with a trained mental health specialist to improve and maintain my own mental health, and Im not ashamed; and Im a Christian too! If you or someone you know is suffering from anxieties or disorders, please seek help immediately. For those of you in the New Jersey area, You may contact East Orange General Hospital Behavioral Health Center or another little known resource in our area here in NJ is PEWS (Promoting Emotional Wellness & Spirituality) under the auspices of the New Jersey Mental Health Association. mhanj.org/pews/
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 23:54:45 +0000
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