Stigma In The CHURCH

Mental Health Awareness Month

Day 4 The Stigma In The Church

On this first Sunday of Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s remember that there is no better place to discuss the importance of Mental Health than the church. As believers, it is time to actively speak up about the importance of a healthy mind. Not only must we pray, we must use the tools that God provides, such as therapy, mindfulness, medication, etc. We are told in James 2:17 : “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead“.

As I navigate through my journey of healing/recovery, I recognize that the church, as a whole, remains uncomfortable with the topic of mental illness. When doing the works of God, it is our job, as disciples, to love, teach, and uplift every aspect of others. This includes recognizing, empathizing and healing what we cannot see; including the mind.

For far too long, the church, and the black community, has demonstrated that mental illness, suicide, and God are not connected. This was demonstrated through the church’s actions of pushing confession, rather than suggesting therapy. It was shown with the actions taken during the church abuse scandal. Rather than referring a psychiatrist or therapy, money was offered to trauma victims, and perpetrators of abuse were were relocated.

All traumas affect mental health, yet we are taught, both in the home and in the church to pray, love, and forgive. Rarely, are we encouraged to seek therapy for the healing we need. It is impossible to forgive without healing. Just as our bodies have to heal from trauma, so too, do our minds. We can only do this by speaking up.

Since our mind controls everything we do, it is imperative for us to make mental health an important topic. Making the discussion of mental illness a priority in our places of worship, in our schools, and in our homes, should be key, because all aspects of our health are essential for us to live happy and healthy lives.

In this month of May, let’s hold each other acccountable, as together, we support, love, uplift and heal, one by one.

Dani💋❤️

Mind, Body, Spirit

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!!

Defy the Stigma!