Mental health is often misunderstood as referring to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
The World Health Organisation defines mental health as, “a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”
This is a positive approach, a focus on wellness rather than illness. It is not a healthy approach to physical health to eat only unhealthy food, barely sleep or never exercise, deciding just to go to the doctor when you inevitably get sick and have no energy. Why then should we ignore our mental health and only address it when we fall apart?
This question is for myself, if no one else because that tends to be my approach to my own mental health. What a confession from a counsellor who spends their day helping other people try to reach mental wellness! The truth is I often forget the very techniques and suggestions I give to people who come to talk to me.
Life is unpredictable and we never know when the ups or downs will come. I have had some unexpected lows over the last few months and, while I was already overextended and stressed before they occurred, it took me until a close family member passed away unexpectedly to realise I was already in a state of low resilience and I needed to actively try to improve my mental health. Instead of waiting for a low to prompt us into action, proactively maintaining a level of mental wellness can help us build resilience to better handle the lows.
There are many simple techniques to use on a daily basis to contribute to mental wellbeing. A popular concept flying around not only in the mental health field but also in popular culture is mindfulness.
Mindfulness is essentially the practice of paying attention to the present moment.
Some Christians are wary of the term as mindfulness meditation has Buddhist roots, which holds beliefs that blur the lines between good and evil and Creator and creation. It should also be noted that there is a difference between mindfulness and meditation. Meditation is the formal practice of mindfulness, while mindfulness is simply bringing the attitude of paying attention into daily life.
The bottom line of why we are hearing so much about it is because there are short-term, even immediate benefits of being mindful. We live life constantly distracted and multitasking. We live in a time where being busy is praised and gives a sense of purpose and even status. This kind of lifestyle has consequences including sleep disorders, anxiety, poor physical health, loneliness, and low moods. It is no wonder mindfulness, a practice opposing busyness and requiring little in terms of time, skill or money, would be beneficial and popular.
Like any activity, we benefit from being fully focused on doing one activity by putting aside any other worries or thoughts. When we do something, like going for a run, that requires our full attention and energy, we cannot give time or mind space to negative or anxious thoughts and we can think clearly afterwards. We also benefit by intentionally paying full attention to one activity at a time, like eating, so we enjoy and are aware of what we are doing in order to eat more if we are hungry and notice when we are full. Mindfulness activities like controlled breathing and focusing on clearing the mind of distractions can work similarly.
I find when I take time to be mindful, it brings a sense of gratitude. This creates a great time to focus not only on the present but to be thankful for God’s presence in the past and hopeful in God’s plan for the future. While traditionally mindfulness is focusing only on the present without judgement, when we know about God’s faithfulness and goodness, we can think about the past and future without fear and guilt but with hope and peace.
I do not believe mindfulness is a solution on its own, but it is a helpful concept I use to help counselling clients to slow down and interrupt unhelpful thinking before they are able to challenge themselves and bring about change on a deeper level. The reason I use these techniques so often is because it is something I have found works to bring a sense of calm for myself and something simple to remember.
We might have a different worldview than the Buddhist assumptions of the practice of mindfulness but we do not necessarily need to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Slowing down to become aware of our thoughts and feelings has many benefits for our mind and body. When we are rushing around, trying to fix problems and find extra time and energy, God says all we need to do is,
“Be still, and know that I am God,”
(Psalm 46:10).
So, my challenge to all of us is to boost our mental health. Some tips to start with are:
- Do things with others
- Do something creative
- Invest time in relationships
- Focus on strengths
- Take time out
- Sleep well
- Keeping active
- Eat well
- Mindfulness – try pausing for a moment just to consider all of your senses. Notice what you can see, hear, taste, smell and feel.
Sometimes, we can feel so knocked down, that we struggle to find the energy to do any of these things. It is great to recognise when we might need to talk to someone whether it be family, a friend or a professional to help us get back on track.
Finally, Jesus, the Healer and Giver of Life says to us,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light,”
(Matthew 11:28-30).
AUTHOR: Mikaela Matthes