Mental Health

Recovery from trauma requires that we consistently focus our brains’ attention on that which contributes to the reversal of our trauma.

When a crisis or tragic event takes place, churchgoers ask, “What can I do to help?” We can empower congregants by helping them identify and utilize the tools they have as Christians. God is at work within every Christian, preparing them to help others.

When treating kids with trauma, I remember these two crucial elements: therapeutic relationships are essential, and being developmentally appropriate is honoring. For the sake of children, let’s join in the play.

I encourage churches to actively train and deploy “Christian firemen”—running toward those being devastated by the “flames” of mental illness when everyone else is running away.

Just below the surface, it affects daily interactions, vision casting and strategic planning. It affects how we relate to God and how we relate to others. I call it Post Traumatic Church Disorder.

Good mental health does not happen by accident. Mentally healthy people make small, daily choices that contribute to their mental health.

Learning from the history of SARS and other illness-related quarantines, mental, emotional and relational health will have suffered under the period of social distancing. Here's what church leaders need to know.

"Church leadership puts us under tremendous pressure, every one of us," says Steve Cuss. Steve gained valuable insights about dealing with anxiety when he was a trauma chaplain, insights he has found to be highly relevant to church leaders today.