In a study entitled, The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic's impact on mental health, published by Wiley, Bilal Javen, et al., says, "A pandemic is not just a medical phenomenon; it affects individuals and society and causes disruption, anxiety, stress, stigma, and xenophobia… [These] undoubtedly have affected the social and mental health of individuals from across the board."
Effects of the Pandemic
One of the hardest-hit age groups are children, elders, people with disabilities, and health workers. But because people respond to stress differently, anxiety and distress may have a short- or long-term effect on the individual.
Among children, the researchers say, one or more distress signals can be observed.
These are negative behavior, excessive crying, growing and lingering sadness, depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating or having a very short attention span, changing or avoiding activities they once enjoyed, headaches, and body pains. For adults, they may be easily irritated, which may result in emotional outbursts.
Christians are Not Exempt
Being a Christian does not mean one will never struggle with mental health. Since man is a tripartite composed of a body, mind, and spirit, Moses says that we should understand mental health as fundamental as physical health.
In an article, she quoted Matthew 5:45: "Rain falls on the just, and the unjust alike," and relating the story of the blind man in John 9, she says that physical and mental problems are part of being human. They are not always because the person has sinned, but something that God can use for His glory.
The Role of the Church
In a podcast interview with Julia Jeffress Sanders, mental health advocate, writer, and crisis counselor Brittney Moses talks about the important role of the church during this pandemic when mental health problems skyrocketed.
Moses says that the church, through so many years, has not been very helpful in addressing mental health issues. She attributed this to the lack of understanding of the relationship between religion and science.
"Christians should stop apologizing for having an interest in both faith and science," Moses said, adding that, for some reason, many people have accepted the idea that these two are in contrast with one another.
When it comes to mental health, there are two views, she says. One is looking at it from a purely scientific point of view, which means faith in God is not really involved in an individual's mental wellness. On the other hand, some see mental health from a purely spiritual perspective, saying that a person's lack of faith causes their problem.
The church, therefore, has not been beneficial to people when it comes to their mental health. Out of ignorance, the Bible has, in fact, been used or abused to accuse those who are going through mental anguish to accuse them of hidden sins.
In the interview, Moses said that she believes that the church has a preventative role in mental health problems. She added that the Body of Christ should be "able to learn the basics and see when something more severe is going on that needs more help."
In this regard, Moses recommends a partnership between the church and mental health professionals so church leaders and members can refer someone to a trained individual who can give the proper healthcare.
She reminded that monasteries were used to take care of travelers and those who were sick in the olden days. This role in the community of the church during those times rings true today, Moses added.
