Unfortunately, many of us who have spoken up in church communities have been told to \u201cpray harder\u201d\u009d or \u201chave more faith.\u201d\u009d These suggestions might be well intentioned, but they often discourage and isolate those of us in desperate need of support. \u201cIt\u2019s a knee-jerk reaction to judge people when they\u2019re vulnerable,\u201d\u009d wrote actress Kristen Bell of her own story. \u201cBut there\u2019s nothing weak about struggling with mental illness. You\u2019re just having a harder time living in your brain than other people.\u201d\u009d
\nShe\u2019s right: Struggling with an illness of any kind makes a person vulnerable, and a sick brain puts a person in a particularly vulnerable state because it\u2019s often impossible to discern the problem from the inside. The sick brain can\u2019t see the sick brain. More often than not, someone in the midst of a depressive episode or panic attack can barely put forth a cry for help.
\nAs people living in Christian community, we should be ready to offer practical knowledge and gracious support to people experiencing mental health crises. With that in mind, here are three ways I believe every church is best positioned to help:<\/p>\n