LIVING ROOM’S OPEN DOOR

One of our greatest fears as Open Door facilitators is what we’re going to do when depression hits. How are we going to measure up to our responsibilities? We don’t want to let anyone down. It’s hard to commit to anything when you struggle with mental health challenges. You never know when you’re going to be laid low, though you know that it will inevitably happen.

One important thing, of course, is to have a co-facilitator in place who can at times like that share the responsibilities or fully take charge of the meeting so you can be a participant for a change. It’s good to know you have someone you can lean on in times of trouble.

Even then, there will be times when you might have to facilitate at a time when you’re having mental health problems. This might not be such a bad thing. In fact, as you give of yourself to your leadership, you may very well start feeling better. Saint Francis of Assisi said, “For it is in giving that we receive.” My experience has shown that to be true.

Those who can best encourage and comfort people struggling with mental health issues are those who, like you, have themselves experienced it. By leaning on your faith, and learning from what you’re going through, you’ll be able to pass along some valuable insight to those in your group. And when they see their leader experiencing emotional challenges, yet carrying on, they will be encouraged.

But you need to be open about what you’re dealing with. When God gave you this work to do, he did not turn you into some kind of superman or superwoman. He did not change you into a perfectly well person. Show that you’re human. Don’t hide your struggles from the people in your group. Living Room is about peer support—each person, including the leader, supporting the other.

As you go through your trials, open your eyes to what you are learning. Some of it could potentially be good topics for group discussion, perhaps becoming devotional material that shows how Jesus helped you through it. Can members of your group tell how Jesus helped them deal with similar trials? Your own difficulties could have great value in helping your group learn important truths.

Some time ago when I was very depressed, I asked someone who was a big support to me if it was right that I should lead at a time when I was hurting so badly. His answer to me was that yes, I should be able to carry on, as long as I hadn’t lost hope. Look to Jesus and recognize that this is not your work alone. It’s his work and you’re only his helper. When you trust him to stay with you, he will give you the strength you need.

Give yourself the freedom to be yourself before the people you lead. Show yourself as you really are, with all your weaknesses. And then give witness to what Jesus is doing for you and what he is teaching you. It’s when you are weak that the strengths he has given you can best be revealed.

marja