Mental Illness. What Is It Really?
A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines (Mental Health America). There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness, including depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Symptoms may include sudden changes in mood, social withdrawal, out of character behavior, or substance abuse. In the case of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, a person may experience short term or long term memory loss.
While mental illness cases may vary from person to person, scientists have linked some causes of mental health problems to environmental factors (stress, poverty, trauma), genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, or a combination of these.
The good news is with proper care and treatment many individuals learn to cope or recover from a mental illness or emotional disorder.
Bridging The Gap: Creating Awareness and Support to Mental Health in the Ministry
Our ministry is an advocate for bringing awareness to mental health issues affecting ministry and lay leaders. We provide encouragement, support and practical resources for churches, organizations and the community at large. We believe that education is key to help people affected by mental illness. We are here to facilitate open discussions in the marketplace and the ministry so that people will no longer feel stigmatized or isolated if they are in need of help.
Seeking help is NOT a sign of weakness. Seeking help IS a sign of STRENGTH. As leaders, we must be proactive and take care of the invisible part of ourselves (our mind).