“The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell or a Hell of Heaven.” John Milton “Paradise Lost”
Sometimes I‘m up; sometimes I‘m down, but rarely for too long. What I do know from years of travelling with people through their ups and downs is that the highs and lows can often be crippling. The pit of depression and anxiety can be dark and overwhelming and I suspect that our stressed out, worn down, beaten up world, is gradually claiming more and more victims and dragging them into that pit of despair. In our minds, Heaven, all too easily, becomes a living Hell.
I‘ve also learned that such feelings can overwhelm anyone at anytime and none should take mental well-being for granted, and certainly no one should ever imagine themselves superior to those who suffer. If you are blessed with a sense of joy and lightness of spirit, then truly thank God for that and be ready to uphold those less fortunate.
That‘s what this resource material is for.
a) to inform around the issue of mental health
b) to encourage the Church to do what Jesus did, who helped many people to discover a sense of mental health and well-being.
I would like to commend the work of the Mental Health Forum to the Diocese and encourage all to read this resource material and allow Christ to inspire you to continue his healing work.
The Venerable Ian Bishop
Archdeacon of Macclesfield
Chair of the Committee for Social Responsibility, Diocese of Chester.
Much of what is contained in this document is drawn from Promoting mental health: A resource for spiritual and pastoral care, published jointly by The Church of England, National Institute of Mental Health in England. It provides a range of information on mental health and its promotion; offers guidance and suggestions on how to create a welcoming environment, and planning and delivering training in addition to outline programmes for activities and workshop sessions. There are also several information sheets providing facts about mental health and its promotion. Copies of this document can be downloaded here