Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and lovely, and admirable. Think of things that are excellent and worthy of praise. – Philippians 4:6-8 NLT
How do we help family members who have been diagnosed with mental illness? First, let’s define what mental illness is. Mental illnesses are disorders that affect a person’s mood, thoughts, or behaviors. Serious mental illnesses include various diseases such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic disorders, delusional disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and many others.
Most likely, every one of us knows someone who struggles with a mental illness. A startling statistic from Kay Warren’s article, “Depression, Spirituality, and Mental Health,” says 60 million Americans, 1 in 5 adults, will experience a mental illness in the coming year. That means that every family will know of someone who is living with mental illness.
Being diagnosed with a mental illness can be a shock, both for the person diagnosed and for their family and friends. Family members can be an invaluable resource for individuals dealing with serious mental illnesses. If you are a concerned friend or family member that is seeking to support a family member with a mental illness, here are some tips for assisting them in their struggle for support and a healthy outcome.
1. Learn all you can. Your support will give your loved one a better chance for stability and wellness. Be there and be present for them. Take the time to learn more about their diagnosis. As overwhelming as their challenges may be, know there are good treatment options out there. With the proper care, people who struggle with mental illness can live full, rewarding lives, especially if they have great family support. mentalhealthgracealliance.org
2. Be their partners in treatment. One of the most important things you can do to support a family member with a serious mental illness is to educate yourself. The more you learn about what to expect, the easier it will be to provide support and assistance. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of the disease so that you can recognize when your family member might be showing signs that their illness is not well controlled. Remember also that balanced support should include medication, therapy, and peer support groups. Also, self-care such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and being involved in social groups (like church) for healthy interaction is key. Help them know their treatment goals, keep track of appointments, and remind them of their weekly progress.
3. Offer encouragement, support, and address barriers. Remember that family members with mental illness can make positive changes in their lives. Let your loved one know their condition doesn’t define or stigmatize them. Realize that their condition is not a personality flaw either and that they can’t just snap out of it and be back to normal tomorrow. Remind them to reach out for the care they need and deserve for their mental and emotional well-being. Help them reject the stigmas that they may be ridiculed if someone knows they are struggling. Encourage them so that they feel they can get better with treatment and self-care support. They will be their best when they are committed and consistent with treatment. mentalhealthhope.com
4. Encourage church attendance and participation. The church is still the best place to find supportive relationships, prayer, and a loving pastoral connection. The church extends compassion, acceptance, and unconditional love to all suffering from mental illness. As Christ’s Body, we offer hope and the presence of God’s Spirit. Being in God’s presence weekly is a powerful healing tool for experiencing God’s sustaining grace and strength (2 Corinthians 12:9).
5. Read and meditate in your Bible daily. You can come to God in prayer, study of His Word, or spend time in His presence singing and meditating on the Psalms. The Bible tells us we should fill our minds with good things. The apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:8, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think of things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” The Bible is filled with examples of people who overcame their mental health challenges, so make sure to study them.
There is a lot you can do to help support your loved one with a mental illness. Using the points above, be informed and involved in your loved one’s life prayerfully.
Dig Deeper
1. Help your family members find their support people this week and determine to build a support team for their healthcare. Start by making an appointment with a doctor to get a mental health evaluation and build a support team for treatment and eventual wellness.
2. One of the most important things you can do to strengthen yourself is to lean on God’s Word for spiritual support and strength daily. How will the Bible motivate, inspire, and strengthen you to help family members with mental illness? Read James 5:13-16 and try to memorize it this week.
