Let’s Talk: Mental Health Awareness

Let’s Talk: Mental Health Awareness

In the beginning God created the heavens, the earth, and human beings. The creation of human beings was unique from the rest of creation. Humanity was not only made in God’s image (the theological term for this is “Imago Dei”), but God also gave them permission to respectfully rule the rest of creation. Humans were charged with ensuring that God’s creation was cared for.
 
God’s command to humans to care for his creation includes the need for humans to care for themselves. The Imago Dei does not only mean that we resemble God physically, but also emotionally, spiritually, and mentally as well. This implies that we must intentionally think about how we care for every aspect of our own lives.
 
One the main taboos that exists in our society at large is the issue of mental illness. There is a stigma that those who struggle with mental health are “crazy,” and as a result many resort to fighting their mental illnesses in isolation, and they are not empowered to access the help they need. This should not be the case. Mental health is something we need to talk about, and we need to take action steps to help those who are struggling. Shown below is an interview with Connor Cunningham, a partner at the Village Church, about his journey with mental health and how his faith enabled him to seek help.