The resilience to overcome disappointment and the hard knocks of life does not come readily to all. Some of us – more than we care to talk about – succumb to anxiety disorders, depression and other forms mental health problems.
In a panel discussion at QCT’s recent General Council meeting, specialists and practitioners from the field explored this topic with relation to our churches. The panellists represented a project in West End connected with an Anglican Church, the Salvation Army and the Uniting Church.
The risk factors
Some people are more at risk than others of developing a mental health problem, Rev. Dr Apichart Branjerdporn, Minister of the Logan Central Multicultural Uniting Church and mental health expert, explained. Loneliness, conflicts, stress, chronic diseases and – for refugees – settlement difficulties are some of the factors likely to trigger a disorder. There is no single cause of depression. The symptoms can include fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, panic attacks, chronic anxiety, lack of pleasure in anything, a loss of memory and efficiency, insomnia, and a loss of libido. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, there may be cause for concern.
In October the National Mental Health and Well-Being Survey published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics noted that in future it is expected that 30% of the population will suffer from a mental health disorder. It is alarming to hear that despite the funds poured into this sector in recent years, 60% of those affected in Australia still do not access mental health services. In other words, most people simply try to get by under their own steam, and for those severely affected, the available services may be inaccessible.
It was noted that the worst mistake friends and family can make is to tell someone simply to “pull yourself together”. It is not possible for people suffering from depression to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.
Debunking the myths
So how can concerned church people help each other and others in the community suffering from depression? The first step, said all of the panellists, is to debunk myths and overcome the stigma attached to mental health. Talk about it in the community. Address discrimination wherever you see it. Promote good resources. And for each of us, learn ways to deal with stress.
If you are concerned that someone may be struggling with a mental health issue, Rev. Dr Branjerdporn suggested going to that person’s home to see how he or she lives – excessive disorder would tend to indicate there is a problem.
Communicate respect
Neil Barringham, coordinator of “A Place to Belong”, a mental health support network in West End, Brisbane, underlined the value of friendship in helping people with mental health problems. “Talk to people,” he said, “and communicate respect.” He told the story of how he had spoken to a man at a community meal one evening and befriended him, and how that became the turning point for this person. Neil related one particularly poignant episode in this man’s story: when he needed to spend a period in hospital (as he did at intervals), he would rather travel from the south side of Brisbane to Prince Charles Hospital on the north side than stay in the PA Hospital closer to home, because, as he said, “I can see the trees from Prince Charles. There are no trees at the PA.”
Friendships and support circles are vital, said Neil. Major Rick Hoffmann, Social Program Secretary of the Division of South Queensland of the Salvation Army, backed him up: “It’s not rocket science.” At the same time a warning was sounded. It is important to find out whether a person has medication and is taking it. If someone has gone off his or her medication, behaviour may become unpredictable and even dangerous. For the sake of children, for example, it is important to remain cautious. Risk management strategies should be implemented. At the same time, as Rick Hoffmann reminded us, showing compassion sometimes inevitably involves taking risks. “Many hands make light work,” he reminded us – the old adage applies to church communities sharing the care of people with mental health problems. Rick also noted that the majority of cases involving violence as a result of mental health disorders are cases of self-harm.
Staying in control
Revd Dr Branjerdporn emphasized how important it is to encourage people to stay in control of their own lives as far as possible. People with mental health problems are generally aware of their own symptoms, and it is important that they learn to manage them themselves. Disempowering people does not help them recover.
What churches can offer
What can churches offer people struggling with mental health problems? Neil Barringham cited the following:
1. sanctuary – a safe place, a refuge
2. a place of hope – a place where people are treated “as though they will recover”. A sense of hope and a sense of meaning – this is what people need to help them overcome the situation. Spiritual connectedness, in other words.
3. a place for connection – community spaces, welcoming places. Isolation is one of the key features of mental health disorders. Connectedness is a key factor in healing.
