Supporting Mental Health: Following Jesus’ Example to Help Those in Need

The World Health Organisation reports that 1 in 8 people experience a diagnosed mental illness and that 46% of people will struggle with mental health during their lifetime. Whether directly or by association, every person in the world is impacted by mental health.

If mental health is such a common problem in our society today, Christians should be asking two questions. How would Jesus approach someone struggling with their mental health, and how should I?

You might feel like you don’t have the answers or the time and energy to help a friend in need. But you have an example to follow and a command to obey that could change their life.

When Jesus reached out to people who needed help he would care by proximity. He met them face to face. Healed with a touch. Encouraged with words. He met them in their need and walked the journey with them. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to ‘carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.’ The best way to do this is to take the lead from Jesus and walk with them through their struggle.

Here are 3 simple steps to help you begin the journey as you support someone struggling with their mental health.

Ask

Asking your friend if they want to talk is always the first step. They might say “no” and that’s ok. Simply taking notice of their struggle can be encouraging and reassuring. Asking them doesn’t have to be awkward, you might say something like “Hey, I noticed you’ve seemed a bit down lately, I just want to check whether you’re ok?.”

Listen

Listening is vitally important. It provides a safe space for your friend to put words to how they are feeling and sometimes this is all they need. If there are silent moments in the conversation, that’s totally ok. It may take time for them to formulate their thoughts, so be careful not to ‘fill the silence’ with your own words. When you do speak, reinforce that what they’re feeling is understandable.

Support

How you continue to support your friend will depend on how they are doing. It can be as simple as a text message letting them know you’re thinking of them. In more serious cases, you might need to help them find professional care. If it’s been a while since you’ve heard from them, check in with them. The important part is that they know you are walking with them.

Who in your life needs support? Reach out and walk beside them today.

Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation. Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx).