Sunday 16th April 2023 for Adult again

Taking this class for the second time .

TOPIC: Mental Health 

MEMORY VERSE: “From the sole of the foot even to the head, There is no soundness in it, But wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; They have not been closed or bound up, Or soothed with ointment.” – Isaiah 1:6 (NKJV)‬

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 19:1-4 (NKJV) 

1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a [a]broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

INTRODUCTION: In relation to mental health, the Bible has a lot to say about the heart, mind, and the condition of the soul. Health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a complete state of physical, mental, and social well being: it’s not just the absence of disease or infirmity. Mental health is important, as it affects the whole being (Prov. 4:23). This lesson addresses mental issues and possible solution.

LESSON OUTLINE:

MENTAL HEALTH DEFINED

CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

1. MENTAL HEALTH DEFINED

Mental Health is a state of well-being in which every individual can carry out four roles: (a) Realise his/her potentials (b) Cope with the normal stress of life (c) Work productively (d) Participate meaningfully in the community. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental ill-health on the other hand is a psychological disorder affecting one’s mood, thinking, and behaviour. The term mental illness covers a broad range of disorders from mild depression to schizophrenia – a condition that impairs a person’s ability to think, feel, process, and respond to life situations in an appropriate way. Mental illness can distort our view of God, others, and contribute to sinful behaviours.

There are some cases of emotional issues in the Bible such as; depression (1Kgs. 19:1-4; Jonah 4:3), loneliness (1Kgs. 19:10), hopelessness (1kgs. 17:9-12), suicide (Matt. 27:5), rejection (1Sam. 18:7-8), insanity (Mk. 5:1-5), etc.

2. CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

God’s desire for believers is to live a peaceful and fulfilled life (Gen. 25:8; Jer. 29:11). However, there are some believers who are not operating in this realm of God’s intention for them. This may be as a result of some of these factors: childhood abuse (Prov. 17:22b), trauma/neglect (2Sam. 13:19), loneliness (1Kgs. 19:10), discrimination/oppression (Jam. 2:6), poverty (Prov. 10:15), loss of loved one (2Sam. 18:33), debt (Prov. 22:7), low self-esteem (Num.13:33), heavy workload/severe stress (1Sam. 30:4,6), family challenges (Gen. 34:30), etc. In some cases, spiritual forces have a direct effect on mental health (1Sam. 16:14; Mk. 5:1-5). To overcome mental ill-health and enjoy emotional well-being, believer’s must understand that:

Failure and challenges are part of human life (Prov. 24:16; Rom. 8:28; Jam. 1:2-4).

It is important to invest in good social networks and godly relationships (2Sam. 9:1).

Loneliness and isolation which are risk factors for depression and suicidal behaviour should be avoided (Prov. 17:22).

Good sleep helps the brain restore itself (Lk. 8:23a).

Regular exercise expunges toxic chemicals from the body (1Tim 4:8).

Drug abuse (Self-medication) is not an option for good health.

Healthy thoughts are necessary always (Phil. 4:8).

CONCLUSION

Good mental health is necessary for good daily living. Therefore, take care of your health (Body, soul, and spirit).

QUESTIONS

What is mental health?

Mention four causes of mental ill-health and their solutions.