Loving kindness is at the heart of the gospel

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. Rev Caroline Downs shares her thoughts on mental wellbeing from a Chritian persoective.

It’s very difficult to know where to begin on such a huge subject, so I’ll keep it simple.

Awareness of mental health is vital. It is vital to be aware of our own mental health and that of others. So many are struggling at the moment with the impact of Coronavirus, and then there are those with long-term mental health issues. From a Christian perspective, one of the greatest commandments is to love our neighbour as ourselves. This, I believe, is at the heart of the matter.

Whether we are mentally well or mentally struggling, we each need to know we are loved and valued, and we each need to be mindful of care of self and care of others. The uncertainty, isolation, fear and confusion of the current situation have undoubtedly made mental wellbeing really difficult for some and seemingly impossible for others.

My son has taught me so much about mental health awareness and I’ve added a link to what James has to say below.

And those who have seen the prayers I’ve offered will know how strongly I feel about fairly funded services and treatments to overcome any ignorance, neglect and injustice in this field.

I’m so glad this is called Mental Health Awareness Week because awareness, I believe, is at the heart of the matter. And what do I mean by awareness? Well, to see someone as they really are and to try and give a suitable response.

Listening, sharing, asking and trying to understand, without trying to ‘fix’ things or judge seem to be the most helpful acts of kindness we can offer, from my experience.

And from a church community point of view, knowing where to guide people towards trustworthy help, speaking openly about mental health, along with acceptance and love, are the most important things we can offer.

The theme of the week this year is kindness, and loving kindness is at the heart of the gospel. We believe in a God whose desire is for our wholeness and wellbeing. That is so clear from a synthesis of the life and ministry of Jesus. And small acts of kindness can mean so much when we’re struggling. They can be a lifeline. A phone call, a Zoom, card, text message, listening ear, a simple ‘How are you really’? can - and do - mean so much.

And we are called to love our neighbour as ourselves, so self-care is vital if we’re to get through in one piece and help others to do the same.

Before the lockdown, we began Christian Mindfulness & Meditation sessions in the Parish of Cathays - and it really seemed to help. It has certainly helped me. Taking time to be still, to be guided towards acceptance and to be reassured that we can find a place of calm amidst the turmoil of life is a practice I have treasured. Maybe you could try mindfulness if you think it could help you. There is a plethora of free, guided meditations now online and on apps, including a wonderful Christian Mindfulness podcast on SoundCloud by my colleague Fr Trystan Hughes.

This is Mental Health Awareness Week and my prayer is that we will do our best to look after ourselves and each other. Rest, refreshment, prayer, meditation, tasks that engage us and the knowledge of our love for each other are vital tools as we try to cope with the current reality and beyond. And let us never forget that for many this time is especially difficult, adding even more challenge to what people are already trying to cope with.

Our God is the God of love, the God of all people who loves us just as we are and is the love at the heart of all things.

Please do share our prayer video for Mental Health Awareness Week.