Mental Health Care is a Pathway to Mature Spirituality
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Mental health is a spiritual issue. When mental health services are cut or medications are too expensive, individuals, families, and our society suffer. When individuals have a mental illness, they often do not have the emotional space for healthy spiritual reflection and self-care. Accessible mental health care benefits all of us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When states, including Iowa, cut mental health funding, the whole community is diminished.
In “Sometimes, People Just Run Out of Life,” Thomas Oppong challenges us to “Find reasons to get busy living.” We “get busy living” when we develop a healthy emotional life. God is also calling us to get busy helping others experience healthy living. Even those motivated entirely by selfish ambition should recognize the benefit of investing in mental health care. Almost every family is adversely affected by some mental illness issue. Mental health negatively impacts the community by making it less safe and more conflictual. A lack of mental health care increases homelessness, family violence, sexual abuse, and many other societal ills that implode national well-being.
Oppong calls us to “actively nurture purpose, connection, and gratitude to consistently reclaim my [our] inner fire and rediscover the many reasons to ‘get busy living.’” First, our “purpose” is to help people live fulfilling lives in faith. That cannot be done well when suffering from a lack of mental health care. Second, our “connection” to others is a God-given requirement. Finally, “gratitude” is found when we recognize our blessings. When individuals, families, and societies are thrust into the chaos of mental illness, gratitude is lost.
Today, pray for our healthcare system. Prayers for individuals in need of assistance without striving to address the underlying need for vital services are unhelpful and even reckless. There is a need to balance care with accountability when mental health care is available to all God’s children. Inappropriate responses without accountability will lead to chaos. God calls us to bring divine order to our world. God can make the impossible a blessed reality when prayer and action are brought together.