What is a Mental Illness?Technically, it is any disease of the mind; the psychological state of someone who has emotional or behavioural problems serious enough to require intervention (whether psychiatric, clinical or medical). Mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses, such as Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD and Multiple Personality Disorder, that may include psychotic or changed mood symptoms, brought on by a significant life-changing event, major loss, physical limitations and environmental factors. Mental illness can make it difficult for someone to cope with work, relationships and other demands. The relationship between stress and mental illness is complex, but it is known that stress can worsen an episode of mental illness. Most people can control their mental illness with medication, counselling or both.
Mental Health Week coming to a close: Mental Health this month of October, to coincide with World Mental Health Day October 10th (Thursday).
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY PROJECT
A Global Mental Health Education Campaign of the
World Federation for Mental Health – you can go to their website () to find out more, become a member, donate, understand more about mental health initiatives and human rights advocacy, or simply become more educated about the global effort this government and privately funded organisation does.
The Act-Belong-Commit Guide to Keeping Mentally Healthy
You can visit to download a free pdf copy of the Guide or order a hard copy.
What is ABC?It’s about keeping mentally healthy by keeping active, keeping up friendships and connections with others, and engaging in activities that provide meaning and purpose in life. Theyprovide education, support and resources to the community to help improve mental health and wellbeing of people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Other organisations:There are heaps of resources and information out there on the web and in clinics and libraries. Someof these organisations are GROW, CCI, Rafael Centre, Beyond Blue, Arafmi, Headspace, and Youth Beyond Blue, just to name a few. Most of these are not-for-profit, government or privately run organisations set up to assist and equip the community with mental health awareness, education, services and support.
Getting help:Do your research, contact one of these organisations, visit your GP, get a referral, and attend one of the many forms of help available to those ready and willing to receive it; this is a brave and essential part of the recovery process and unique to each individual’s needs and experiences. Something that needs to be done right.
What can we do? As a church and as a community, we can become more aware of mental health issues and become properly educated as to how to support those suffering from or those living with someone who is suffering from a mental illness.
- Visit different accredited websites like the ones mentioned to gain more info;
- Get involved in your community by volunteering your time and resources;
- Get involved in the church by developing deeper friendships, getting advice from the spiritually mature, commit to a descipling relationship, give to others like the poor, to visiting and reading or praying with those lacking support, read the prayer requests and pray for others, add your own prayer request, join one of the bible study groups, get reading, get active, and get committed!
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