Should We … Talk?

Today, January 30th, is “Let’s Talk” day, sponsored by Bell Canada. I have mixed feelings. What do you think about it all? According to the advertisements, if we do our part by talking and tweeting, Bell will contribute money to Mental Health. I know that mental health care needs all the dollars it can get. My ambivalence comes from the reality that we live in a country that brags about universal health care, while we know that this does not come close to adequate care for those who with mental health needs. How can it be universal if one whole sector of health is overlooked?

The publicity of this day may well help diffuse some of the stigma but, as one friend pointed out, do we only increase people’s vulnerability? If they share their mental health struggles, knowing there is not enough help to support their struggles, where does that leave them? How will their sharing be received? Might talking about their situation only make things worse for them with little aid to support them?

In my 39 years of ministry I know that the most difficult illnesses, for the patient and the family network, is the range of illness that impact our mental health. A few years ago we did a ‘Chat Room’ during the season of Lent. There were three evenings of presentations and conversations around mental illness. It was our most popular series and people still talk about it. Many who came were desperate to know how to help and support family and friends who suffer and struggle day by day.

I wonder what I can best do to support those who struggle with mental illness? I know offering a listening ear and companionship is often very valuable. Encouraging and supporting family members who sometimes bear the brunt of the pain is also important. Raising awareness whenever possible is critical too.

Each week at our Sunday morning services we have a time for ‘Joys and Concerns’. People are invited to share the things they are most grateful for and to name prayer requests for concerns they carry. Often we name physical illness … a cancer diagnosis, heart issues, but sometimes we remember to raise up concerns for those who struggle with schizophrenia, depression, addiction, anxiety and their related concerns. I am always grateful on those Sundays that someone has named the reality that many people silently live with. So I guess we should … talk.