mental illness

mental illness seminar 

Would you believe that one out of every four families in your congregation is affected by mental illness in some way? Six years ago, I would not have believed that statistic. However, since our daughter was diagnosed with manic depression or bi-polar disorder, we started openly sharing about our experience and fifteen people in our church have approached us with their stories and their struggles. I believe that these illnesses are often hidden, and people are left to suffer in isolation because society has placed so much shame and blame on persons with mental illness and their families.

Since a big determining factor for the well being of the person suffering with mental illness is a stable, supportive environment, ministry to the family also becomes important. The following are some suggestions for providing support:

  • Do not blame the person or the family. Fight the misconception that this is a spiritual issue or that the person who is ill can snap out of it if he wants to. This illness is a biological-based brain disorder.
  • Ask the family member who has an ill relative how you can support them and give assurance of your prayers. When they are in a stable period, take them to social events or invite them to your home.
  • Be aware of how you talk. I cringe when I hear people toss off words like "crazy", "insane", "psycho", or "manic"; or when they joke about someone being "one brick short of a load." You are talking about someone's loved one.

Our family has some good news to share. After finding the right medications and going through a period of recovery, our daughter was able to take a part-time job and begin graduate school. She received her degree in December and this May was married to a wonderful Christian man who supports and understands her and encourages us to make her story known so that other may have hope.

*Excerpts of this article by Deb Nichof from Breaking Barriers, winter, 2004; Issue 66

For more info, please contact Mike Rinkin of Compassion Ministries, who has a son with a mental illness ( or 541-928-6382).