This is the third in a helpful series of weekly 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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The experience of mental distress/mental illness is a common and recurring issue for us in Aotearoa. As Christians, it is not uncommon to know people in our whānau, communities and churches struggling with their mental health. As disciples, we are Jesus’ hands and feet and we are called to journey alongside others.

It can be difficult to know what to do or how to support a person experiencing mental distress. As Christians, we can look to Jesus to show us how to support people who are struggling. Through the gospels, we read time and time again of how Jesus demonstrated his Kingdom values as he supported people. By following these same values, we can also support people well.  

Here are three of Jesus’ key values.

Respect

In the gospels, we read of the many ways that Jesus treated people with respect. Whether it was seeing the people most overlooked or dining with those deemed ‘too sinful’, Jesus knew the worth of each person and the image of God they were made in. When supporting anyone that is mentally distressed, we are called to do the same and respect their humanity. An unwell person isn’t a mental illness, they have a mental illness. We can say respectfully, this person is struggling with their mental health, instead of ‘they are a mentally ill person’. We are seeing the person first. Another way we can be respectful is to recognise an unwell person can make their own choices about their recovery journey. Respect is doing things with the person struggling, not doing for. Respect is including people in conversations that concern them, particularly around decisions that will impact their lives. 

Compassion

The value of compassion was a key part of Jesus’ ministry. We read in the gospel of the ways Jesus consistently showed compassion to those in pain. The word compassion means to ‘suffer with’ someone, to weep with those that weep and be moved into action to help lessen someone’s suffering. When we support someone experiencing distress, we feel compassion and want to help but might not know how. The best thing to do in these situations is to ask them, what would be helpful for you? Jesus calls us to walk compassionately alongside those in distress, walking shoulder to shoulder, walking in step as they set the pace. To do this we can pray that the Holy Spirit will empower us with Jesus’ love, grace, and patience. 

Hope

Through his life, death and resurrection Jesus shows us that hope is the anchor of our soul. Jesus came to give us life in all its fullness (John 10:10). For those struggling with mental distress, hope isn’t always easy to find. Jesus calls us to be hope brokers. We are called to hold hope for people struggling with their mental health, to express confidence in their ability to be well again, to see the strength and resilience within them, and believe wholeheartedly in their potential to live life in all its fullness. On a tough journey, we need all the hope we can get.

When this is difficult, ask the Holy Spirit to remind you both of the hope we have in Jesus. 

People struggling with mental distress can be some of the most courageous, strong, and incredible people you ever meet. They will be warriors, fighting in battles that most of us have never fought. Our role is not to fix someone or make someone better, rather we are called to journey alongside them towards wellness. When we follow in Jesus’ footsteps and offer them respect, compassion and hope they will know that our care is genuine. We will be doing life together. Isn’t that what being the church is all about?

By Suzie Baird

Questions for Reflection:

1. In what ways do you show respect to people struggling with their mental health?
2. What challenges do you face when you are walking compassionately alongside someone in distress?
3. If you are called to hold hope for others, where do you get your hope from?

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If you, a member of your whānau, or a friend are experiencing mental distress, please contact a GP for further mental health support and referrals. You can text or call 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor 24/7. In an emergency, please contact your local mental health crisis team or nearest Emergency Department. In a life-threatening situation call 111.

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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.