Mental illness challenges many in our ministries whether it is the one with the mental illness or their family. 

One father writes me in a text about the burden for his son , "Thanks for your prayers... I experience sadness, disappointment and some nights I have trouble sleeping because he is constantly on top of mind. So I pray for him until returning to sleep."

Another Dad, also in a text writes, "Thanks for praying. He is not doing very well. He seems very depressed lately. We hate to switch meds but will probably do so."

Here is an excerpt from the journal of a young man whose life ended too early from a heroin overdose. It was a roller coaster of a battle. He was very intelligent, a talented chef and a beloved friend, brother and son. His dad showed me his journal.

"I'm really in a dark, dark place in my life. Finally I'm not getting drunk everyday. God gets that credit. I didn't even do that on my own. Even though God gave that I was still a little off for some reason... This day is the REAL start of my new life! God and I have done some great things for myself in the past 9 months, but it is finally time to start to explore this amazing life and find out what my planet has to offer. Overcoming this depression I'm in is gonna be hard. One thing I have learned is that in life, the things that are good and are gonna make the changes I need to make are hard. If it was easy it would have been done a LONG time ago."

I'm thankful that a lot of people are working to find answers and offer help for cases like these. Here is a resource you might want to bring to your church, or collaborate with several in your community, to address the Mental Health crisis in our community.

The following info describes them in their own words on their website. Click on the name for more material and how you can open an account and become part of this free Mental Health platform.
 

My Quiet Cave ...

is a gathering place for dreamers and overcomers: the lost, the found, and the wandering. We equip people to lead Christ-centered support groups in their churches and communities, because we believe all people can find hope and healing in the midst of mental health struggles.

My Quiet Cave creates safe groups for mental wellness Christ-centered | Peer-led | Focused on hope

Since 2011, My Quiet Cave has been creating space for faith and mental health. Founded by two seminary students who struggled with navigating the landscape of bipolar disorder in the context of their faith, My Quiet Cave strives to provide people everywhere with a safe space to pursue both mental and spiritual wellness. Our programs are designed to create community, model vulnerability, empower self-care, and embrace our innate value as beloved children of God."

It helps when we are present for those in this battle and support them with empathy and prayer. God may be answering our prayers with My Quiet Cave.

For every type of need, your care matters!

Your life matters, 

Chaplain Dan
Rev. Daniel R. Hettinger
303.905.0478