Since the days of Sigmund Freud, one of the predecessors of
modern-day psychotherapy, the world of mental health has had a variety of
approaches to treatment and recovery. In some faith traditions mental illness
has been seen as a curse. People who are afflicted have been tortured and
stigmatized. Folks have often been told to pray on it and that this action is
the only way to being delivered from one’s affliction.
The same could be said for individuals who have been
treated through a medical-based approach. While many people have been aided by
modern day medications and psychotherapy, others still suffer, often in
silence.
So what is the answer? Well, that’s the $64,000 question.
If it were so simple to address mental health challenges and successfully treat
people, then the world would be a much better place.
As for myself, I am a seeker. In my lifetime I’ve tried to
connect with the God of my understanding in a variety of ways. Prayer,
meditation (which I truthfully struggle with, church-related practices and
12-Step recovery have all been ways I’ve tried to establish a relationship that
is so often elusive. BUT…I still try.
It’s been my experience that there a variety of factors
that have contributed to my mental and emotional stability. I try to practice spiritual
wellness through the aforementioned methods. I continue to read and do research
on mental health. I exercise, get proper sleep and do my best to eat properly.
I have developed healthy relationships and pursued a career path that I find
fulfilling. My home environment is stable and safe and my finances are fortunately
in check.
But for me it’s the spirit that was the Genesis of my
well-being. When I was in the “wilderness” years of my young adult life, I
yearned to have a life that was “normal” (which I now know is a misnomer). So
what did I do? I prayed and hoped that one day things would get better.
When I made the decision to stop using I took the steps to
become affiliated with a Pilgrim-St. Luke's United Church of Christ (now Pilgrim-St. Luke's and El Nuevo Camino UCC). I chose my church primarily because of the minister,
a pastor who had confirmed me when I was 14. I became a member on Pentecost, and
ironically, this was my pastor’s last day serving this community of faith as he
was relocating to Florida to lead a
congregation there.
But I decided to stay. At first my attendance was somewhat
spotty, however my 12-Step recovery home group began to meet there so I was the
liaison between the group and the church.
This was the first time I learned the lesson about how
faith communities can partner with groups that promote recovery in any number
of ways. So the church became a larger part of my spiritual practice. In the
years since (I joined in 1988) I have been able to serve in a variety of
capacities: Moderator (President of the congregation), Deacon, Sunday School
teacher, Youth Advisor, Usher Coordinator, and most recently Trustee.
This level of service has provided me with many valuable
life lessons.
So what does all this have to do with mental health? Well,
to begin, it is through service to others that I have been given the
opportunity to be in community with a group of people who have been supportive
of me. Also, by learning about the teachings of my religious practice, I have
come to realize that there is strength in acknowledging that I need help to get
through many of life’s ups and downs. This is also true for my 12-Step program.
The fellowship and love that I have experienced through both of these venues
has been a source of strength and comfort.
Another way that I’ve been able to “give back” is through
my participation on the United Church of Christ Mental Health Network Board of
Directors. This national group of clergy and lay leaders is forging new ground
within the UCC to create a safe space for those living with mental health
challenges within our church communities.
One way that we have initiated this is through the WISE
Covenant. WISE stands for: Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged. This effort
was officially sanctioned by the UCC at its General Synod meeting in 2015.
Essentially, the WISE Covenant is a structured program to help churches be more
welcoming and accepting of those individuals who may live with mental illness. Currently
we are in the process of planning two WISE trainings for congregations in
Nebraska and Florida. This exciting work has the potential of transforming
churches in a remarkable way.
Last week we had our annual “face-to-face” board meeting
where the WISE Covenant was a central part of the agenda. The following day
there was a one-day conference sponsored by the Interfaith Network and Pathwaysto Promise. This event featured a number of presenters who spoke on a variety
of topics, including cultural competence with Mental Health First Aid, WRAP
(Wellness Recovery Action Plan), and one on the concept of the importance of
companionship, to name but a few.
This program focused on how spirituality and science are
not mutually exclusive and that the two approaches can work together to help people
learn how to live healthy lives.
What I’ve come to realize is that my Higher Power works
through people. And it is through this manifestation that healing occurs. Over
the last 28 years of recovery from addiction I have been blessed to have
wonderful support from friends and family. But I also had to learn to ask for
help. As the old saying goes, “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.”
There are a number of resources such as NAMI Faithnet that can serve as a guide to utilizing one's faith to support recovery.
I believe that by using all the tools that I’ve had
available, whether it be psychotherapy, medication, faith, social connections and
other wellness practices, it’s been possible for me to achieve a life that can
be better than the one that I had before. But then again, it is a journey after
all.
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