Shining a Light on World Mental Health Day

Last Thursday was World Mental Health Day. It’s a day that could have slipped our attention. There were some items on the radio I heard as I was driving in the car. Many people are much more open these days in discussing our mental health, but there’s still a fair bit of stigma around the whole topic.

We don’t find it easy to admit that we are struggling. Perhaps, we haven’t found it easy to cope with the circumstances life has thrown upon us, like illness in the family, a bereavement, or the breakup of a friendship or relationship that was important to us. Maybe, we feel stressed by the pressures of work, maybe we are lonely, maybe we are grappling with financial worries and we find it hard to admit to any of these things. We bottle them up inside, or we take refuge in alcohol or drugs or damaging relationships that crush our spirits even further and seem to intensify our struggles.

Many of the experts tell us that one of the best things we can do when life seems overwhelming is talk to someone about it. It doesn’t have to be a medical professional or a counsellor, though there is value in talking to such people. It might be talking to a spouse or friend. It might be a colleague from work, it might be someone from our church family. There’s a great healing that comes from someone listening well to us and tuning in fully as we share our experiences with them.

During this year, as a church, we have received a grant from Mind Matters. It’s a part of the Central Church that seeks to facilitate various initiatives and groups that promote mental health and offer opportunities for people to get together.

This year, we hope to host a number of speakers on the topic of mental health and, later in the spring, we hope to host a course called the Sanctuary Course, which offers people a safe space to talk about their mental health as we watch videos in which people share their experiences, and learn about their recovery, or the tools they use to manage their condition.

On Thursday 17th October, we welcome a very experienced and wise practitioner in this whole area, Dr. Stephen Rodgers, to share some thoughts on the impact of Covid and the post Covid period on our mental and spiritual health. Everyone is welcome at 7.30 pm to the Huston Hall so, if you have a friend or neighbour who you think might appreciate the topic or benefit from learning a little more, please invite them along.

Like many people, I suspect, it doesn’t take a lot to change my mood. Today, I heard of the death of a dear friend and about another friend having suffered a serious stroke. You recognise the huge struggles people are facing and, while it’s natural and right to feel sad when such things happen, we also have a hope that comes through living with the lense of faith. I’m often humbled in my daily work by the difference faith makes in the most challenging of circumstances.

This week’s podcast shares the powerful story of a man called, Mike Donal, whose life was transformed through an encounter with Jesus Christ. It’s a challenging listen, in that Mike speaks very openly about experiences of drug use, depression, and suicidal thoughts. I mention that as a precautionary note, and some people may find it quite intense, depending on where they are themselves. I found it to be a most inspiring and encouraging conversation, and I thank Mike for his openness and candour and his willingness to share his story.

Could I ask you to hold in your prayers the Seeds’ family circle on the death of Margaret. Her funeral will take place on Thursday 24th October at 12.30 pm in the church.

Don’t forget our teenage youth group is meeting this Sunday during church at 11 am and, on Sunday 27th October, we look forward to Harvest Thanksgiving. The Mothers’ Union is hosting a supper with fruit loaf and apple tart so, if you can help supply some, there will be a list at the back of church on Sunday.

Look forward to speaking again soon.

Much love to everyone,

Jono.

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