We live in perilous times, and in the most stressful society; time after time things change out of the blue, leaving us stressed, or depressed. You may see someone smiling but inside they are crying. For the most part, many people do not care about what others are going through, instead they add more pain by their words, actions, and attitude.

Before the death of our Saviour, in unprecedented ways, physically, mentally, and spiritually, Christ was pushed to the very edge of the precipice. “At the moment of death, the stream of blood and water that flowed from His side, declared that He died of a broken heart. His heart was broken by mental anguish. He was slain by the sin of the world.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 772

“The Lord has presented before me that many, many will be rescued from physical, mental, and moral degeneracy through the practical influence of health reform. Health talks will be given, publications will be multiplied. The principles of health reform will be received with favor; and many will be enlightened. The influences that are associated with health reform will commend it to the judgment of all who want light; and they will advance step by step to receive the special truths for this time. Thus truth and righteousness will meet together.” –A Call to Medical Evangelism and Health Education, p. 33

What is Mental Health?

Mental health comprises of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important in all stages of life, from infancy, through to adolescence and throughout adulthood. At a state of well-being an individual realizes his or her own abilities, coping with the normal stresses of life, working productively and fruitfully, also, helping the work of God and the community at large.

Types of Mental Illness

  • Eating disorders
  • Trauma-related disorders (like post-traumatic stress disorder)
  • Substance use disorders
  • Mood disorders (as depression or bipolar disorder)
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Psychotic disorders (like schizophrenia)

Throughout our life, if we experience mental health problems, our thinking, emotions, and behaviour can be affected. Factors contributing to mental health disorders:

  • Family history of mental health problems
  • Biological factors, related to genes
  • Unfortunate life experiences, abuse, or trauma

Depression and anxiety, although related, are different conditions; on the other hand, they often occur together. The chance of acquiring depression is much higher when an anxiety disorder already exists. Feeling down or experiencing the blues now and then is normal. It happens that almost everyone feels anxious every now and then; this is normal in response to stressful situations or environments. But, if one persists in feeling anxious and is extremely anxious, it can be a sign of underlying mental health problems.

Good care and psychological counseling, and other therapies (ginseng, ginkgo biloba, proper nutrition) help to improve this condition. Also, a healthy lifestyle, like improving sleep habits (8 hours a night), social support, regular exercise, communing with God, can help to overcome this condition.

“The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death.” –Counsels on Health, p. 344

Anxiety leads to sickness and disease, but there is hope to those who trust in God. “Because God’s love is so great and so unfailing, the sick should be encouraged to trust in Him and be cheerful. To be anxious about themselves tends to cause weakness and disease. If they will rise above depression and gloom, their prospect of recovery will be better; for ‘the eye of the Lord is upon them’ ‘that hope in His mercy’ (Psalm 33:18).” –The Ministry of Healing, p. 229

May God help us to bear one another’s burdens, as well as obtaining optimal health and resilience. Amen.

Daniel Kimeu