Last updated 18th January 2024
Mental Health
Mental Health
- It is important to listen to people and always to respect confidentiality.
- Churches can be a source of friendship.
- A faith gives all of us a framework for living.
- It is important to encourage people to access treatment and professional advice.
- When giving support to someone with a mental health problem it is important to be aware that their illness can fluctuate, and you may be needed over a long period of time. It is important to be prepared for your support to be an ongoing commitment.
- Some churches place great emphasis on joy. This can be a challenge for someone who is feeling sad. It is helpful to remind ourselves that there are passages in the Bible expressing sadness and feelings of abandonment, for example, Job, Lamentations and some Psalms.
- If there are lay pastoral assistants in the congregation, they may have had / be able to have some training on mental health. They then may be able to offer advice to other members of the congregation on how to support people.
Organisations offering support