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Take Action Tuesday: Caring for Our Mental Health
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
Mental health is part of health. Depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses are not failures of faith or character. Seeking professional help for our mental health should carry no more shame than seeking treatment for a sprained ankle.
Caring for ourselves
Our minds and bodies are connected. Regular movement, adequate sleep, time outdoors, meaningful relationships, and practices such as prayer or meditation can support our emotional well-being.
Just as important is recognizing when we’re not doing well. Persistent sadness or anxiety, withdrawal from others, changes in sleep or appetite, or difficulty managing daily life can be signs that it’s time to reach out for help.
Caring for one another
You don’t need to be a therapist to help someone who is struggling. You need to be a friend. Notice when someone seems different. Ask how they are doing and then really listen. Resist the urge to fix the problem or offer easy answers. Continue to include them, check in again, and encourage professional help when it’s needed.
Two things you can do today
1. Reach out. Think of one person who may be struggling. Send a text, make a call, or invite them for coffee or a walk. You don’t need perfect words. Sometimes simply saying, “I’ve been thinking about you. How are you doing?” can open a door.
2. Learn how to be a better friend. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers practical advice on how to start a conversation, listen without judgment, offer meaningful support, and help a friend find professional care when needed.
NAMI: How Can I Help a Friend Who Is Showing Signs of Mental Illness?
Caring for our neighbor can begin with very small actions: notice, ask, and listen.
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