Discussion Guide
Health and Wholeness
Trauma, Anxiety, and Our Call to Mental Health
Sarah Brock Iverson and Jia Johnson
Our call to mental health resonates in the voices of bell hooks, Andre Henry, Tricia Heresy and the imperative of radical community care. Just as the men who carried their neighbor to Jesus demonstrated, radical community care requires courage, collaboration, and a commitment to wellness for all.
SETTING THE TABLE
As this chapter outlines, mental health is just as much political as it is personal. Institutional practices, policies and culture at large can either support or hinder the internal resources (mental wellness) we need to fulfill our deepest longings, purpose and desires for a more just world for all people. Take a moment and go back to the introduction of the book to read the breath prayer by Chrisine Valters Painter together. Use this prayer to ground yourself and others before beginning to discuss the chapter. Breathe in and say “now I am revealing,” breathe out and say “new things to you.” Repeat together a couple of times before you start.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
- What are some “Aha!” moments from this chapter? What are some curiosities you want to explore more deeply?
- What is your relationship with your mental health? What is your deepest longing for personal and social transformation? How has your relationship with your mental health supported or hindered your deepest longings?
- In what ways has the Christian church hindered or supported your deepest longing and mental wellness?
- What conditions are necessary to sustain and/or improve these relationships between mental wellness, the Christian church, and our deepest needs/longings?
- What resources do you have available to you to sustain or improve those conditions?
CLOSING
What is the “low-hanging fruit” step you could take for yourself and/or your congregation in response to this discussion today?
A low hanging fruit is something you could easily do this coming week.
Given this theme and your context; what is one “moonshot” you could imagine?
A moon shot is a giant leap into relationship and connection that would require monumental effort but be totally amazing.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
988 – Suicide and crisis lifeline. This free, confidential lifeline can be called 24/7 by any person in the US who is experiencing a mental health crisis or is worried about someone who is. Callers are connected with a trained crisis counselor who are able to listen, provide support, offer resources, and can connect with local emergency 911 services if needed. Currently less than 2% of 988 calls require 911 assistance. For texting option, individuals can text STORY to 741-741.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – NAMI is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is “to provide advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.” Nami Faithnet is an interfaith resource that includes tips and training on how to create church spaces that are more welcoming for those struggling with mental illness, as well as resources for mental health awareness church services and healing prayers.
Headspace App – The Headspace app is a great place for both beginners and seasoned meditators to learn more about meditation and mindfulness. It offers meditations to do alone, on a walk, during your commute, or with your kids. There are guided meditation courses tailored to learning meditation practices, dealing with grief, practicing gratitude, finding patience, parenting more mindfully just to name a few. Use of the app require a small fee. There are many other similar apps that you may already use and love such as Smiling Mind, 10% Happier, Calm, and Insight Timer.