One of the most important ways in which people with mental health challenges can be supported is by hearing of the unconditional love of Jesus and of how he values them, despite the way the world might be treating them. Those for whom life is easier, could never understand that message in the same way.

This is the picture of Jesus that people with mental health issues most need to hear. Knowing such a Jesus is their unique spiritual need, a message that is not always as clearly conveyed in churches. When that understanding of the love of Jesus is taught, healing can occur.

Such an understanding of Jesus can be hard to fathom by those who are emotionally healthy—those who don’t face rejection in the way people with mental health issues do. This picture of Jesus who was accepting, kind, and showing his unconditional love to outcasts during his life on earth, is the most significant view of him for those who are rejected by the world today. They are hungry for Someone who would care that much for them. Jesus cares.

Being with others who share our needs is not always possible in the community. The only place where such peer support could take place and our faith expressed, would be within a group of people where everyone shares such needs. Together, in the company of others who can relate, we find out we’re not alone.

Peer support groups like the Living Room’s Open Door are specifically designed to address the kind of needs people with mental health challenges have. Nothing can compare with such a sanctuary where they can spend time with those who are best able to understand. A place to gather with others who long for the love that Jesus Christ promises.

FAITH-BASED LIVING ROOM’S OPEN DOOR, COMING SOON

PEER SUPPORT GROUPS are important for the needs of people living with mental health issues. Support by peers has been shown to be more effective than support from healthy individuals.

Peer support focuses on health and recovery rather than illness and disability.