Honesty Matters in our Mental Health
I am NOT a mental health expert. I have never claimed to be nor will I ever be one. However, I have been reading a lot, seeing a lot, and personally feeling a lot recently to downplay it or not address it in some manner. That is why I’ve shared about why you should shut down for your mental health and discover how to take care of yourself post-Covid over the past few months. It is so important to see how we can take care of ourselves emotionally and physically.
Just last week my heart broke as I read about another family in ministry suffering from the effects of mental illness. As heartbreaking as this is, it’s not an isolated situation. Even before Covid hit, there have been many situations of pastors and ministers falling to the effects of mental illness.
One of the ways I have learned how to deal with my mental and emotional health is to be honest. Being honest isn’t the only thing you can do but it has been helpful for me.
Years ago when I was going through something personally, I wasn’t honest with others around me. I was honest with myself with what I was going through but I kept it from a lot of people. One group in particular was the Volunteers I served alongside with. I wasn’t honest with them and it caused problems because they knew something was going on but they were never able to help me. It caused tensions and until I was able to be honest with them about what was going on, things were rough. However, once I shared with them, things dramatically improved for me, personally, and us, as a team. Honesty matters.
I learned from that experience and, in the appropriate manner at the appropriate times, I’ve shared with those who serve alongside of me. The more you can be honest with those serving alongside of you and share with what you are dealing with, the more freeing it can be. And, more importantly, the more likely they can help. Not necessarily help you with your own health, but can help you by taking some of the work load off of you. Honesty matters.
The reality is that in our mental health honesty matters. Even if you don’t feel comfortable sharing with everyone you are with, that is ok. Share with just a few so that they can be aware of what you are going through and help you in different ways. You don’t have to share every little detail with them, but I have discovered that the more we can be honest with ourselves and others, the more likely you will be able to get back it in healthy ways. Honesty matters and makes a huge difference.
What do you think? Share your ideas below or on social media using #ymsidekick when you share.
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