Mental Health Panel

Caleb Eissler

Panel • Sermon • Submitted 3 years ago

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Moderator:Caleb Eissler, Panelists:Merle Mees, Karen Mees, Robie Sullivan, John Newsom

Notes

Transcript

Introduction

Good evening everyone! Thank you so much for joining us tonight. For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Caleb Eissler. I have the privilege of serving on staff here at PV through helping lead in our Twenty-Somethings and Adult Group Life ministries.

I’ve been excited for this event for many months now. This gathering has been covered in prayer many times over. Even just this afternoon, we took time to pray as a church staff that our time together tonight would be fruitful and helpful.

Before I go any further, I want to thank my Twenty-Somethings family for welcoming in company tonight and for their hospitality in it all. During the Spring, Summer, and Fall in Twenty-Somethings we like to have a panel per season on important topics to help us think deeply and biblically about the world around us. For example, this past May, we had a really fruitful panel on “How to Engage in Politics as a Christian.” If you’re interested in hearing that a recording of that panel, you can find the audio online on podcast if you search for PV Twenty-Somethings on any major platform where podcasts are distributed.

Some of you may have heard me mention Twenty-Somethings and may not know what the ministry actually is. Twenty-Somethings is a ministry meant for folks who are post-high school, through their twenties, whether they’re in college, a career, or single, dating, engaged, or married. We meet here in the Student Worship Center every Thursday evening at 7 pm for worship, conversation, and Bible study. We frequently have events like the worship night we had last week, the night of prayer we had a few weeks ago, or this panel tonight. If you’re post-high school or in your twenties, this is a great place to meet new friends and get plugged in. If you want to know more about Twenty-Somethings, I’d be glad to connect with you after our panel tonight.

This panel was originally conceived as a Twenty-Somethings exclusive event, but as I began connecting more with Pastors Merle, Pastor John, and Pastor Brad, we agreed that this conversation needed to be opened up to the public. As a church, we at Pleasant Valley are passionate about mental health awareness. In fact, Pastor Merle will actually be preaching through a series on mental health this fall.

Mental health has become a major topic of conversation in our culture; and rightly so. But, if we’re honest, for many of us, this conversation about Mental Health can seem fairly new and unknown; particularly in the church. How does our faith life relate to our mental health. Some of us many not have even considered that thought in much depth. But while this conversation may seem new to us, it’s not new to the people of God. Listen to what the Psalmist has to say in Psalm 88, written thousands of years ago:

O Lord, God of my salvation,

I cry out day and night before you.

Let my prayer come before you;

incline your ear to my cry!

For my soul is full of troubles,

and my life draws near to Sheol.

I am counted among those who go down to the pit;

I am a man who has no strength,

like one set loose among the dead,

like the slain that lie in the grave,

like those whom you remember no more,

for they are cut off from your hand.

You have put me in the depths of the pit,

in the regions dark and deep.

Your wrath lies heavy upon me,

and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah

You have caused my companions to shun me;

you have made me a horror to them.

I am shut in so that I cannot escape;

my eye grows dim through sorrow.

Every day I call upon you, O Lord;

I spread out my hands to you.

Do you work wonders for the dead?

Do the departed rise up to praise you? Selah

Is your steadfast love declared in the grave,

or your faithfulness in A-badd-on?

Are your wonders known in the darkness,

or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

But I, O Lord, cry to you;

in the morning my prayer comes before you.

O Lord, why do you cast my soul away?

Why do you hide your face from me?

Afflicted and close to death from my youth up,

I suffer your terrors; I am helpless.

Your wrath has swept over me;

your dreadful assaults destroy me.

They surround me like a flood all day long;

they close in on me together.

You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me;

my companions have become darkness.

Some of us here may never have even read Psalm 88, but after hearing that passage, you may say that the Psalmists’ words perfectly describe what you’re feeling right now. The Bible is not a book meant for people who have it all together. If we all had perfect lives, there would have been no need for the Gospel. Becoming a Christian doesn’t mean that your struggles will immediately go away. But it does mean you you have hope no matter the circumstances. We all struggle from one degree to another. Our goal tonight is to help illuminate the intersection of mental health and the hope we have in the Gospel. Our goal is to bring together the intersection of Psalm 88 and Isaiah 41. Isaiah 41:9-10 says,

“I have chosen you and not cast you off”;

fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

As Christians we can rest in the confidence that God upholds us by his mighty power. But what we want to show tonight is that some of the ways that the Lord uses to uphold his people comes not just in worship and sermons, but also through things like wise counselors, self-care plans, and so much more.

Ok, that’s enough from me. You all didn’t come to hear from me, but from our distinguished panel. Let me briefly explain how tonight will go and then I’ll introduce our panelists.

The first hour of tonight’s discussion will take the form of a moderated discussion. During the last 20-30 minutes of this conversation we’ll have audience Q&A.

At each of your seats we’ve placed an event program, a notecard, and a pen. The event program is meant to be a take home resource for you. If you open it up, you’ll see some diagrams that we’ll speak to soon. You’ll also see a page where you can take notes during the panel. One last note about the event program. If you’re someone who, after hearing this discussion, decides you want to talk to someone about taking next steps in your mental health journey, we have put care pastor John’s contact information on the back. He can help connect you with people and resources to take next steps in your mental health journey; whether that’s connecting you to counselors we partner with like the counselors on our panel or other resources to help you in your journey.

Now do me a favor and grab your notecard and hold it up. This is what we will use for Q&A. During the course of the discussion, write down your most pressing questions. At about 7:45, we’ll have you pass your cards to the center aisle and some folks will come by and receive them. They’ll give those cards to me and I’ll use them to facilitate the Q&A. This will allow us to get to more of your questions than we might through an open mic. So, during the discussion, be sure to write down your questions in preparation for the Q&A period.

Now let’s get to know our panelists:

Merle Mees, is lead pastor here at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church for over a decade.

Karen Mees, is an LPC or licensed professional counselor and Pastor Merle’s bride.

John Newsom: He’s the Care Pastor here at PV as well as a Chaplain in the Army.

Robie Sullivan is a licensed professional counselor, who like Karen, runs her own consulting firm here in town.

Brad Daniel has been PV’s student pastor for almost 17 years. He’s walked alongside many, many students and adults in their mental health journeys.

Let’s give our panelists a round of applause and thank them for taking time to speak with us tonight

First Question

While for most questions we won’t go around the circle and have every panelist answer I want us to do so for this first question. To kick off the discussion, I want you each to talk about when you first become passionate about the topic of mental health. How has your opinion and thoughts on the subject of mental health changed over the years?

My curiosity surrounding mental health began early in my life. An aunt, my father’s sister lived with our family for a period. She was suffering and dealing with a dual mental health diagnosis, something I was not told at that time. Although she lived in our home, the discussion of her illness was a hushed subject. I was never quite sure what her condition was but I observed how she functioned differently. One vivid memory I have surrounded a very happy occasion, when we were all beaming, but she was flat without any emotion. So this seeded my curiosity.

Moderated Discussion Questions

(Stating the Question/Defining Reality)

As we enter into this discussion, I think it would be worth taking some time to talk about this topic is so important. Why must we talk about this topic of mental health and the Christian life?

Robie and Karen, as the professional counselors on our panel, what are some common myths you have heard people say about mental health?

What are some myths that you often hear as the topic of mental health relates to Christianity?

Here’s a similar follow up question:What are some helpful ways we can speak about mental health? Are there ways we speak about mental health today that are particularly unhelpful?

Why do you think there seems to be a mental health crisis these days?

John, I’ve heard you speak of wanting to raise mental health awareness. Can you explain what you mean by raising mental health awareness?

As a society, why do you think we have had such a hard time discussing mental health?

Merle, as a long time local church pastor and as someone who is passionate about this topic, why do you think it’s so important for us to talk about mental health in the context of the local church?

What would you say to a Christian that says that mental health issues are actually just spiritual warfare; that they’re not related to physical realities like chemical imbalances and other things? How would you respond to such a claim?

What wisdom would you give to folks in regards to medicines related to mental health such as antidepressants? For example, some Christians may say that we shouldn’t take medication like that because it shows a lack of faith? How would you respond to them? Others might tend to use medication in significant amounts? Would you have anything to say to them?

(Self-Care and Preventative Care)

John’s Diagram Question:

We talked a lot about the state of the topic, but I want us to shift to talking about care as it relates to mental health and the Gospel. As I mentioned in the introduction, inside your event programs there are some diagrams. Do me a favor and grab your event program and open up to the center to see those diagrams. These are helpful illustrations that Pastor John has put together. John, I want to give you a second to explain these illustrations and then I’ll have the rest of our panel chime in as well in regards to the illustrations. Explain these diagrams to u, Pastor John.

What wisdom would you have for us as it relates to how to take care of ourselves and keep up with our mental health? What are some healthy practices we could take part in to help sustain or improve our mental health?

We can tell that we are sick based on the symptoms. I can tell I have a cold coming on if I have a stuffy nose and a dry throat. What are some of the symptoms displayed when we need to give our mental health greater attention?

Mental health is not a black and white subject. There are various levels of mental health on the continuum. What are some of those levels of mental health?

A misdiagnosis can lead to applying the wrong kind of care which can further harm an individual. The word depression gets used quite often, but sometimes that diagnosis is not always correct.

Soul Care

Merle and Karen, you both are passionate about Soul Care. How does mental health relate to soul care? How can caring for our soul improve our mental health?

What is the intersection of pastoral care and clinical counseling? Can those two things go together? Are there particular situations where one is more warranted than the other?

Robie and Karen, how can we begin to discern if we are clinically depressed versus just in a lower than normal place of mental health? Should we be careful in how we use the word depression?

What advice would you give to us as we seek to care for friends struggling with mental health issues?

What are some dos and don’ts when it comes to caring for our friends and family?

What do you all do personally to sustain and improve your mental health?

John, you’ve talked about having a spiritual health plan? Could you tell us how to make one?

What advice would you give someone who feels like mental health issues are things that you can heal by simply pulling yourself up by your bootstraps?

What advice would you give to someone who feels like God is distant in the midst of their mental health woes? How can they continue to pursue God even though he feels distant?

Brad, I’ve heard you speak of a study that seems to suggest that pursuing spiritual disciplines like singing and prayer can improve our mental health and cognitive capacities. Could you tell us more about that study and why it’s results are important for us?

What can the Church do to better care for those struggling in their mental health? What can the Church do to raise mental health awareness?

What advice would you have for students as they navigate the challenges of mental health?

What advice would you have for parents of kids who are struggling with mental health issues?

What are ways that we can apply the truth of the Gospel to our own mental health struggles and journeys without being too simplistic or heavy handed?

What are some of the Scriptures you gravitate to first when you begin to wrestle with issues of mental health in your own life? How does music help you?

We have a lot of younger folks in the room today, whether Twenty-Somethings or high schoolers. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your Twenty-Something or high school self about mental health in your own life?

As pastors and counselors, you all meet with many people to help them work through issues in their own mental health journey. What are some of the common things you see in those meetings? What is advice and counsel you feel like you're always giving out?

Why is this conversation so important? Why must we talk about this topic of mental health and the Christian life?

The term Mental Health pertains to our state of well-being. Well being is both experience we have and one others can observe. As believers we are called to steward the life God has given us. We are not immune to the influence of genetics, environmental stress, social problems, and the brunt that comes in destructive relationships. We are also called to bear one another's burdens, to be a sweet fragrance for the hurting and lost. Without understanding of mental health and the complex needs that surround mental health we may hide our own need and judge others.

As a society, why do you think we have had such a hard time discussing mental health?

Lack of knowledge, and stigma.

How has your opinion and thoughts on the issue changed over the years?

Some education has been the key to me getting past societal stigmas. I now know that depression and anxiety are as common as a head cold. That being said, there is no more shame in depression as one might have over having a head cold.

What do you think is healthy about our modern cultural dialogue and conversation surrounding mental health? What is unhealthy?

Merle, mental health awareness is something I know you’re deeply passionate about. You’ll be speaking on the topic this fall in a sermon series, and you speak of the importance of mental health often. Why do you feel like this topic is so important, particularly for the local church?

Merle and Karen, you both are passionate about Soul Care. How does mental health relate to soul care? How can caring for our soul improve our mental health?

Soul Care is a preventative. Our mental health is influenced by how we live just as our physical health. When we adopt a life of caring for our soul through practicing Sabbath, living a sane rhythm, connect to God and others, and engaging in spiritual disciplines its like eating well and exercise for the soul.

How can we know if we need counseling from a pastor or if we should see an actual licensed professional counselor?

If you are not feeling well for an extended period I'd suggest you see your family doctor. You might want to talk with your pastor as well.

John, I’ve heard you speak of wanting to raise mental health awareness. I think that is a great place to launch us into the rest of our discussion. Can you explain what you mean by raising mental health awareness?

What are some common myths you have heard people utter about mental health? Particularly as it relates to Christianity?

I think it’s best to be compassionate rather than argue a point. We are all at different points of understanding. I would share this much. I belief we can share that we hold a different perspective. And we can allow them to grow in this place without judging them.

Medication is not an evil. Anything in this life can be abused. I’d have to say I hold a different perspective, one that says taking medication is a personal health matter and something to discuss with a trusted doctor. Taking medication for depression is no more a lack of faith than taking medication for a blood pressure problem.

I’d like to refer to the book “The Depression Cure” which outlines important steps to prevent and address depression. Exercise, Diet, Connection, Medication as needed and engaging in purposeful activities.

Common symptoms include persistent poor sleep, weight changes, mood changes, thinking problems, loss of interest, lack of motivation just to name a few. I discourage self-diagnosis but when we have symptoms that persist of any kind, visit with your doctor.

Mental health is not a black and white subject. There are various levels of mental health on the continuum. What are some of those levels of mental health?

Health as a whole is on a continuum. As an LPC we evaluate symptoms as mild, moderate or severe, note if the problem is recurring, or a first episode.

Why do you think there seems to be a mental health crisis these days?

We have always had mental health concerns. Awareness, acceptance does play into the subjet being open. But none of us can deny that the impact of stress, fast paced living, breakdown of families and escalating personal problems play a role.

The tabo is changing. People are talking about their health and seeking help more openly for one.

A misdiagnosis can lead to applying the wrong kind of care which can further harm an individual. The word depression gets used quite often, but sometimes that diagnosis is not always correct.

Robie and Karen, how can we begin to discern if we are clinically depressed versus just in a lower than normal place of mental health? Should we be careful in how we use the word depression?

Anytime we feel poorly for an extended period for any reason we should see our doctor. The duration of a problem and the persistence of it given good reason to seek an evaluation. If you’ve done all you know and still don’t feel better, its time to seek an evaluation.

What advice would you give to us as we seek to care for friends struggling with mental health issues?

What are some dos and don’ts when it comes to caring for our friends and family?

Provide support, don’t judge or offer glib responses to their pain. Help them take steps to see a professional.

What are some resources you would encourage people to check out to become more educated about mental health?

Depression Cure

What do you all do personally to sustain and improve your mental health?

Exercise, Sleep, Resolve conflicts, got rid of junk food in my diet.

John, you’ve talked about having a spiritual health plan? Could you tell us how to make one?

What advice would you give someone who feels like mental health issues are things that you can heal by simply pulling yourself up by your bootstraps?

What advice would you give to someone who feels like God is distant in the midst of their mental health woes? How can they continue to pursue God even though he feels distant?

What are some helpful ways we can speak about mental health? Are there ways we speak about mental health today that are particularly unhelpful?

What can the Church do to better care for those struggling with their mental health? What can the Church do to raise mental health awareness?

What advice would you have for students as they navigate the challenges of mental health?

What advice would you have for parents of kids who are struggling with mental health issues?

What are ways that we can apply the truth of the Gospel to our own mental health struggles and journeys without being too simplistic or heavy handed?

What are some of the Scriptures you gravitate to first when you begin to wrestle with issues of mental health in your own life? How does music help you?

What hope does the Gospel give us in the midst of a mental health crisis?

I want us to close our time together with these last two questions:

What are some resources you would encourage people to check out to become more educated about mental health?

What hope does the Gospel give us in the midst of this conversation about mental health?

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