Here is an interesting quote: “Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden; it is easier to say ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say ‘My heart is broken’ (C. S. Lewis The Problem of Pain).
Last Sunday night our lesson in Celebrate Recovery was about depression. It has been one of my goals over the past two years to lead in the cause of removing the stigma from mental health issues. Someone said it this way: “When people don’t know exactly what depression is they can be judgmental”. We can do better and we will. Nationwide, more people attend Celebrate Recovery to find support for mental health issues than for addiction to alcohol and/or drugs. It has been suggested that 1/3 of all alcoholics and 1/2 of all drug abusers battle with mental health issues. I personally think that is too low of a number. Those of us who struggle with addiction issues are often trying to medicate a pain. The problem is it is not always a physical pain. Sometimes it is the mental pain that C. S. Lewis referred to in the opening quote. 50% of us experience some mental health issue in our life time according to the Center for Disease Control. Our brain is an organ like our heart or lungs. It can malfunction, have problems and develop issues. It is tough enough to deal with the issues without having people be judgmental and creating an unnecessary stigma to a health issue.
So Celebrate Recovery offers a safe place for those seeking to find support…whether from a mental health issue or an addiction issue…or both. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered 12 step program built on the 8 Principles found in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. We offer a safe place to work through all of life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups believing that freedom in Christ is something that can complete even without physical healing. God’s Word says “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Here are principles taught in God’s Word that may help. Every person is a person of dignity and is created in God’s image. You matter to God and therefore to us. All of us are broken in one way or the other. You are loved and valued. Whatever we are struggling with we can do it better together in community. Having accountability partners or sponsors is not just for those addicted to alcohol or drugs. All of us could benefit from such a support network. The Bible is filled with such encouragements.
You are not alone. If you want a safe place with no judgment, I invite you to visit Celebrate Recovery any Sunday evening at 5:30 pm. It could be a great first step toward recovering. Pick up one of our Mental Health brochures. It has some very helpful information inside.
See you Sunday, Pastor Tom
