Mental Health Week -- do not lose heart

 

So we do not lose heart. 

Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.  For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure,  because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

                                            2 Corinthians 4:16-18

This is CMHA Mental Health Week in Canada and we are midway through it. How would you describe the state of your mental health these days? You might respond with a well, I have my good days and my not-so-good days. 

There is plenty of evidence that these past 14 months have been hard on just about everyone, even the most positive among us. Lots of seniors who are living in virtual isolation are struggling, and I've seen articles about hoarders who seek solace in accumulating more stuff. Parents are overwhelmed with the balancing act of working from home alongside children who are supposedly being educated from home. Those kids miss their friends and many teens are struggling with depression. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association 40% of Canadians say their mental health has deteriorated since the onset of the pandemic. I'm surprised that the percentage isn't higher. 

It's strange because Ruth and I consider ourselves blessed for many reasons.We describe ourselves as "young old" because we are in our sixties, healthy and mobile and vaccinated (one dose) yet we still have our gloomy days. Our contacts with children and grandchildren have been limited during the pandemic, and while we've been able to attend worship for periods of time we gathered looking like we're planning a stagecoach robbery.  

We are seeing a glimmer of light in the midst of the shadows, and this Mental Health Week is at the beginning of a month when millions of doses of vaccine will arrive in Canada.

Many of us are pleasantly surprised by the resilience of our faith families, and despite the demands, lots of pastors have been doing an impressive job of holding their congregations together.

 As people of prayer we can take time daily to remember those who are struggling, and make the effort to be in touch with even one person who might benefit from hearing our voices. We can also pray for those who are on the front lines of leadership and healthcare.

For those of you who are feeling overwhelmed, please do not lose heart, even though this sure seems like more than a momentary affliction. The God who loves us has not left the building.