So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know Him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! – 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NLT
Do you have a family member or a loved one who has been given a mental health diagnosis? Sometimes it can be hard to know how to best respond, especially when they feel ashamed or scared about what this means for their future. One key aspect to keep in mind through the varying complexity of the situation. It is important to remember the difference between human beings and their problems. For example, notice the distinction between someone who struggles with bipolar disorder and someone who says, “I am bipolar.” The first person struggles with a problem that has negatively affected them, and the second person has inflated the problem to become a part of who they are. This is why it is very important to understand how to best respond appropriately when someone you love is struggling with a negative mental health condition. So here are four essential truths to best support a loved one facing a mental health diagnosis.
1. Have a recovery mindset. Sometimes the road of life can have detours and dead ends. When this happens, we can get stuck and frustrated. However, we do not have to stay in this rut. There is a better way. It begins with a recovery mindset. As children of God, we know that we are participating in a lifetime construction project of being fashioned into the likeness of Jesus Christ. “For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:29 NLT) For this reason, we can take joy in what God wants to do in us.
2. Invest in relationships. All of us operate in the context of relationships. It truly is what enriches our lives and makes them worth living. Now is not the time to isolate ourselves from others in fear. On the contrary, it is time to draw near to God and invest ourselves in supportive and encouraging relationships. Even when Job encountered his trials, he began with a circle of friends. While their words weren’t very helpful, their presence in the beginning was beneficial. The Bible says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT)
3. Use available resources. No matter how many challenges we face, resources and support are available. The key is to utilize them. The same is true in the Christian life. The apostle Peter wrote, “By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” (2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT) So the question is, are you using the resources that God has given you?
4. Focus on being resilient. When life beats us down, we do not have to stay there. Being resilient is the ability to get back up. Consider David when he was running away from King Saul. He had several days and months of discouragement. Thankfully, his friend Jonathan showed him the way. “Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.” (1 Samuel 23:16 NLT) Later when Jonathan was not there to encourage David, we see that David was empowered to practice what he had learned from Jonathan’s example of faith. “David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the LORD His God.” (1 Samuel 30:6 NLT)
Remember, there is life after a mental health diagnosis. Develop a recovery mindset. Invest in encouraging and supportive relationships. Use the resources available to you. Focus on being resilient. With these foundational practices, you can move forward with great hope in the Lord.
Dig Deeper
How would viewing people through the eyes of Jesus help you see them differently?
How can you help others find their strength in God?
