While “Church Folks” are likely to acknowledge those in the world can and do have mental health issues that need professional help (#22ADAY), they are just as likely to claim that for a “True Believer” mental health issues should not exist. That is a seriously false assumption along with claims that Depression is a sign of weak Faith, and any Mental Illness can just be Prayed away.
While there is (or should be) no debate about the importance of the need for Spiritual Health, with approximately 1 in 5 (that is 20%) of the population suffering some type of mental health issue, regardless of beliefs it is time for churches and Christians, in general, got serious about mental health.
IF YOU NEED HELP
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), use the online Lifeline Chat, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. ALSO as of July 16th, you can DIAL 988
The challenging issue of mental health impacts each of us in some way, whether directly or indirectly. The numbers speak for themselves, and particularly if you interact with students or young adults in some capacity, it’s likely that some of them struggle with suicide, depression, or have loved ones who do.
We want to help equip believers to be better prepared to talk about mental health and depression with their teenagers, students, and children. The new Hope Always course from the Colson Educators program is able to be offered to the public FREE of charge thanks to the generosity of a select group of donors. This critical course walks you through the medical and theological truths surrounding the issues of mental health and suicide, specifically focusing on how we can help those in our classrooms dealing with these struggles.
The Hope Always course is a five-hour virtual series with Dr. Matthew Sleeth, a former ER physician, who shares his personal and professional experiences with depression and suicide, and challenges Christians to become part of the solution. After engaging with this course, you’ll have the resources at your fingertips to build communities of hope that help save lives.
You can access this course for free by clicking below.
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