SPIRITUAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT –

Some of you will remember the work I carried out in Canada between the years 2000 and 2014, fighting the stigma of mental illness. You might remember the #LivingRoom faith-based ministry that was developing at that time. I started this ministry as a follower of Christ who was herself struggling with a mental illness.

I have been virtually traveling the globe via LinkedIn, expanding this work to serve the needs of those who find themselves not accepted by the world—people of all backgrounds and religions, no matter who they are, where they’re from, or how they worship.

Over the last couple of years, I have advocated for the Muslim Rohingya refugees who badly need mental health support. They are among the most persecuted people in the world today, survivors of genocide. Using Living Room’s open-door principles, I have been encouraging them spiritually.

I’m writing today on behalf of people struggling with the stigma of mental illness. At the same time, I write for people like the Rohingyas who are victims of discrimination, persecution and genocide. The sentiments I express below apply to everyone who suffers because they don’t feel they belong in this world.

I speak with the love that Jesus taught me to have because I have lived experience too. I want to follow His example of acceptance and care for those who are mistreated, rejected, excluded and shunned.

When people with mental health challenges realize what the world thinks about them, the pain sets in. They are no longer struggling with symptoms of illness alone. Whether the problem is stigma or discrimination, the results are similar. Being looked down upon affects their self-esteem, confidence, courage, and hope. Many are robbed of everything that had made them feel they had value.

How would you feel if you were not considered as worthy as others? Not worth listening to, not worth believing, not worthy of kindness, not worthy of friendship, not worthy of contributing to the world? You start thinking you’re not as real a person in the way others are.

This kind of suffering cannot be fathomed by those who haven’t experienced it. I leaves emotional damage and years of trauma. All who want to follow Christ’s ways must try to open their eyes and ears and learn to understand. By sharing the love that God has put inside you it is possible to bring healing to such people.

My book, In the Name of Jesus, helps build understanding by showing examples of what the pain caused by discrimination feels like. It shows how friends can, through Christ, give sufferers the spiritual support they need to find healing.

In the name of Jesus, let us love one another and appreciate each other for who we are.

Brothers and sisters all.

marja