In article three of our online Mental Health series, we discussed the three Biblical values of Respect, Compassion and Hope. These are foundational values that Jesus modelled when walking alongside people in distress and are an example for us to follow when supporting others. How does this look practically within our wider society, our churches, and within our communities and whānau? Today, we will discuss three practical areas in which we can support people experiencing distress, focusing on changes we can make within our wider society, our churches, and within our communities and whānau.

Within our wider society

Supporting people experiencing mental distress in our wider society starts with understanding and knowledge. It begins by first recognising that all people have mental health, all people will experience mental distress at some point in their lives and the only difference is how it is displayed. Some people have acute experiences of mental distress and hear voices whereas other people will have milder experiences of mental distress and spend the day in bed. Neither experience should hold any stigma or discrimination, and yet it does. Stigma and discrimination are some of the biggest barriers to recovery in Aotearoa. Supporting positive mental health within our wider society requires us to recognise these barriers and do things better. Practically, we can do this by educating ourselves about the major social determinants that contribute to unwellness. People experiencing mental distress often experience poverty, trauma, loss of rights, loss of income and resources, challenges in getting employment and ongoing social discrimination. Mental distress is just as much a social justice issue as it is a wellbeing issue. By recognising how our society creates these challenges, we can find ways to remove them.

Within our churches

The church needs to be intentional in their words and actions. Practically, this starts by modelling good mental health from the front. This can be done by encouraging your leaders and speakers to be honest about their experiences of mental distress, modelling honesty and vulnerability in services and giving people permission to share their struggles. Churches need to be cautious and deliberate around language, avoiding heavy clinical terminology and phrases that can be stigmatising or judgemental. As Christians, we are to warmly welcome those that come into our services that are experiencing distress. We do this by being inclusive and seeing them as the person God created them to be. It is also crucial that the church is aware of the relationship between mental distress and trauma. Make sure to seek permission before touching an individual, particularly when offering a hug or laying hands on someone in prayer. Lastly, encourage those in leadership positions to do training and workshops on mental health, making sure to upskill your teams so they can support people well – and also look after their own wellbeing.

Within our communities

To support a person well, we start by place the unwell person at the centre of their own recovery. This means that decisions are guided by the person experiencing distress and their caring whānau. This doesn’t necessarily mean that we always give people what they want. Rather, it is about considering the person’s desires, values and choices, and supporting these when it is positive to do so. We can do this by asking people in distress, what would be helpful for them? It is asking the person what their experience is like, rather than assuming symptoms or a diagnosis. If your friend or a member of your whānau is experiencing distress, you can help by supporting them to make positive decisions about their recovery. Practically, this may look like driving people to appointments, encouraging them in their hobbies, helping with cooking, doing exercise together or advocating for them to get some extra help. If you notice yourself feeling tired, frustrated or annoyed at the person, remember to look after yourself also. Having good boundaries is a big part of supporting someone in distress. We will discuss this in a following article.

By Suzie Baird

Questions for Reflection:

1. Have you ever struggled with your mental health? If so, what barriers did you face in being honest and seeking help?

2. How has positive mental health been modelled within your church? If you haven’t seen it yet, what would you like to see change?

3. Jesus supported people experiencing distress. How does his example help us when supporting members of our whānau and friends?

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Suzie Baird is a mental health advocate. She has lived experience of mental distress that helps her to support others and educate those wanting to understand more. She attends Lyall Bay Community Church, an Anglican pioneer mission unit. 

Tricia Hendry is a writer and educator specialising in issues relating the mental health and resilience. She has many years’ experience supporting others through mental health and trauma challenges. She attends All Saints, Hataitai.