SUMMARY

There is a significant focus on mental health these days. Whether it's through self-help books and podcasts or through a counselor, you have definitely heard about the importance of keeping up with your mental health. But what does the Church have to do with mental health? How do we, as saints respond to such a considerable rise in negative mental health in recent years? Rick and Brad sit down with Norm Thiesen from Western Seminary to discuss some of the causes of the uptick in mental health issues recently, and what we, the Church, can do to walk alongside those struggling with poor mental health as well as ways in which the Gospel can shape our lives despite having poor mental health. We hope this episode is encouraging to those struggling with their mental health and spurs the Church on to best live in community with those who are.

 
 

QUESTIONS DISCUSSED

  • Why does it seem that there is a bigger voice about mental health, specifically poor mental health, in recent years? What specific issues are we seeing a rise in?

  • How do social structures play a part in mental health? How is our identity shaped by our society/culture?

  • What is good language we can use to describe mental health?

  • What are ways parents can help their kids when culture emphasizes and is increasing in mental health, often the negative side?

  • How has society changed in terms of the continuity of messages between private and public life?

  • How has COVID-19 contributed to mental health?

  • Is it possible that mental health issues become so common that they become minimized? How do we prevent creating identities around our mental health?

  • How do we balance being sensitive to people’s mental health while not creating victim-mentality with how prominent mental health issues have become?

  • How do the Saints best engage with mental health? What is helpful, what is hurtful? What does the Church have to offer in this conversation?

  • What is the integration model of counseling? How can we ground ourselves in Scripture while also using secular methods in counseling?

  • Where should someone go looking for a counselor?

  • How does Scripture speak to mental health? How can we point to Scripture without being dismissive of someone's poor mental health? Does being a believer mean that we will have positive mental health?

  • How can relationships help in healing?

  • Can pastors play a role in mental health? Can lay members play a role? Where is the line in which we outsource to “professionals”?

RESOURCES/REFERENCES

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