Mental Health in the Body of Christ: A Way Forward

Mental health challenges are on the rise globally especially with young individuals. Studies have revealed a sharp increase in utilising mental health services for stress, anxiety, sorrow, and loneliness in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Identity crisis, economic uncertainty, social media comparisons, shifting understanding of gender, and a breakdown of communal values have all contributed to the escalation mental health issues. These struggles affect everyone, including the church-going Christians. This reality necessitates that the church respond with care that is socially pertinent, pastorally attuned, and rooted in scripture. Emotional distress is acknowledged in the Bible. For example, the psalmists cry out in despair, Elijah flees into wilderness in the state of fear and anxiety and prays that God might take his life and collapse (1 Kings 19:3-4) and in Gethsemane, Jesus confesses "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." (Matthew 26:38). These Biblical account show that mental distress or illness is a natural aspect of human experience and not necessarily a sign of a lack of faith or weakness. However, the good news is that Christian faith has a word for every situation that we endure; there is healing in the word, and hope that can help us move forward. This article is adapted from my BD dissertation submitted to the Eastern Theological College, which focuses on the mental health of Poumai Naga church.

Rising mental health challenges in Naga society among the youth

Nagas are known for their close-knit community, strong cultural identity, and spirituality. However in recent years, there has been a noticeable prevalence of mental health challenges. A few of the key driving forces are:

1. Technology and Identity: Several studies revealed that young adults frequently struggle with hopelessness, sadness, and suicidal ideation. Social media addiction and cyberbullying contributes pressure to perform and curate identities that is not theirs. Seeking constant evaluation and validation from people creates the sense that self-worth must be earned.

2. Financial difficulties: The mental health of young individuals are at times exacerbated and triggered by economic circumstances, such as unemployment, job insecurity and financial uncertainty. This often leads to destructive coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, alcoholism, involvement in extortions and other risky behaviours that create wider social problems.

3. Post-Pandemic: The pandemic was characterised by the disruption of social life, enterprises, worship and friendship. Mental health related issues frequently took the front page during and post pandemic.

4. Stigmas: While judgment is inherent to the human experience, it destroys a loving and peaceful society when it becomes extreme and pervasive. Many a times in Naga society, mental illness/distress is stigmatised and dismissed as sin, weak faith, spiritual attack, personality flaws, and therefore silenced those in need. The misunderstanding of mental health form fears which further isolate people wrestling with challenges.

Case study on mental health in the Poumai Naga context

The Poumai are one of the largest Naga tribes in Manipur (next to Tangkhul), primarily residing in Senapati district and partially in Phek district of Nagaland. They are part of the wider Tenyimia lineage which includes the Angami, Chakhesang, Mao, Maram, Pochury, Thangal, Rengma, and Zeliangrong tribes, sharing historical and cultural ties. A study conducted on 100 respondents revealed valuable insights into mental health issues and the role of the church. About 59% of respondents were in the age group of 21–30 years. There were slightly more females than males in this age group in the study. 80% cited socio-economic challenges and failures in life, such as financial struggles, family issues, addiction, unfulfilled dreams, and inability to cope with societal expectations to be the reason for emotional stress, anxiety and mental health issues. A whopping 93% highlighted spiritual well-being as critical to have a healthy life. 72% of the respondents want stronger church engagement to address mental health issues holistically. One 24-year-old respondent said, "I wish the church talk openly about stress, failures and how to cope up in life." While two-third of the respondents noted that the church leaders rarely address or engage mental health concerns of their members.

The findings call for a new pastoral imagination where spiritual formation, empathy guide the Naga churches in addressing mental health as a gospel issue of care, hope, and community. The church has an important role to play in this unexplored or least explored territory of mental health issues. Additionally, over half of the respondents expressed their desire to have a stronger pastoral care and seminars on mental health issues which is seldom organised or discussed in many churches.

Why the church must respond

Compassionate and caring actions are integral part of Christian faith. Christians are expected to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians. 6:2), to bind up the broken hearted (Isaiah. 61:1), and to embody Christ’s likeness by inviting and comforting the weary (Matthew. 11:28–30) and not ignore them. Caring for people with mental health struggles is not only the church's duty but a vital part of Christian discipleship and mission. Depression takes time to develop, it does not happen overnight. When left unattended, it destroys the individual, families, society and ultimately loses the very essence of church’s purpose. By integrating prayer, counselling, fellowship and pastoral care, the church can embody Christ’s healing, and be a sanctuary where brokenness meets compassion and where hope is continually nurtured through fellowship and faith.

A way forward in the midst of mental health storm

A faithful way forward begins with church learning to recognise early warning signs of anxiety, depression and other mental health struggles among their congregation may face. Naming reality by honestly speaking out about anxiety, depression, trauma and healing, and by providing prayer ministry, counselling, or support groups that encourage people to share their feelings of joy and sadness. Prioritising fellowship through shared meals, small groups, and life-on-life discipleship discussion. Forming a peer support groups and integrating Christian counselling, and testimony-sharing are critical in the nurturing healing. Strengthening and pastoral accessibility, ensuring leaders are equipped to provide basic mental health first aid anchored on the holy scriptures is vital for building resilient community.

Conclusion

The increasing mental health problems in our society especially the young individuals is a cause for concern. Young individuals often experience emotional distress as a result of societal standards, cultural stigma, and economic insecurity.  However, the Christian faith emphasises that brokenness is not irrevocable, providing hope, healing, and deliverance. The Church may not be able to resolve every issue, but it occupies a unique and special position in providing comfort, healing, fortitude, dignity and a sense of purpose in Christ, thereby ensuring that no one endures pain in solitude in the body of Christ.

S Khruvihrii Leena Zho

Eastern Theological College, Jorhat, Assam