This is part of a helpful series of articles and stories on Mental Wellbeing presented by Suzie Baird and Tricia Hendry to help the Church build our knowledge, understanding, and skills to strengthen our communities.
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Last year in our posts we covered a wide range of challenges that mental distress can bring, both for those experiencing it and for those supporting them. We have greatly appreciated the feedback and contributions. This year we will bring a monthly post and we will look at further topics with the aim of increasing awareness, knowledge, and practical skills as we ‘do life together’ in our church communities, through thick and thin.

As we begin the year and try to live out these calls to love and accept each other in our church life, let’s keep in mind the power of our shared faith in God. We are a community of faith, after all. The following contribution by Florence is an example of the way God reaches into people’s lives, even in their deepest distress, to lift their eyes up to Him. It is an example of the way God can prompt us to play a key role in others’ lives, in His timing. This piece encourages us to pray for, and listen out for, God’s promptings in our everyday lives. And as we finish reading it, may we all, like Florence, pray daily for greater understanding and support for people of all ages who are struggling with mental distress of any kind. May we also thank God for the many ways He lifts us up and calls us on in even the roughest of times.

Arohanui.
Tricia Hendry and Suzie Baird

Florence’s story - How my faith has helped me cope

I was diagnosed with Bipolar when I was aged 47. I’d been deeply clinically depressed and occasionally a bit high for some time. Initially I was told I was stressed by various life events, such as deaths among my family and friends, moving house, separation and divorce, subsequent relationship disappointments and financial worries. Eventually, after several years, I was correctly diagnosed and put on the appropriate medication.

I had dreadful side effects from the Lithium medication, which is the go to drug for my condition. Finally I was prescribed a combination of mood stabilisers and was also offered some psychotherapy and regular visits from psychiatric nurses, which was very helpful.

When I was at my lowest ebb I was intent on taking my own life. I was very close to going through with it, but God had other plans. On several occasions I was stopped from making that irreversible decision. I really turned the corner when the Vicar of my church noticed I’d stopped going to church and doing the Alpha course. He was concerned for my wellbeing. He rang just at the time I was about to take my own life. This act of love stopped me in my tracks. It was a turning point. I can only think that God had prompted him and he had acted on that at precisely the right time.

Since then I’ve generally been much happier and more hopeful about the future. I still have ups and downs, but they’re not nearly as serious. I get through them with God’s help,  the love of my friends and family, and my supportive Church family. It must be so much harder for those who don’t know Jesus and my heart goes out to them.

But there is still a lot of stigma around mental illness, even amongst church people. I can reassure you that we are really no different from folk who have other chronic conditions, like diabetes or arthritis. I am amazed by people who are still of the “pull yourself together” view, even after so much publicity about mental distress. I pray every day for greater understanding and support for people of all ages who are struggling with mental illness and thank God that he has come to my rescue so many times. 

Thanks for sharing your story Florence.

If you have a topic you would like us to suggest that we cover or a short personal story you would like to share, please get in touch at communications@anglicanmovement.nz

May God be with you this week.

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.