Welcoming Those With Mental Health Challenges

Have you ever been unsure about how to welcome someone with mental challenges, personally, or as a part of a faith community?

NAMI has some suggestions about how you might approach someone who is living with mental health challenges, for example, greeting someone new gently and approach them as a person. Don’t define them by their illness.  Talk in a comfortable space with minimal distractions. Ease into the conversation, and if the person does not want to talk, that is OK.  Speak in a calm and relaxed manner, be aware of your body language, and maintain eye contact.  Be respectful, compassionate and accepting.  Be a good listener, giving them the opportunity to talk without prying.  Be genuine in your concern, offer support and encouragement.

Avoid things like blaming, criticizing, or raising your voice.  Don’t make assumptions about them or their situation.  Refrain from trying to “fix” things or offer advice.  Avoid making jokes about their condition or being patronizing or condescending.

According to the British Journal of Psychiatry, welcoming people with mental challenges into faith communities, specifically, should embody compassion, inclusion and dignity.  Social inclusion can play a role in recovery.  Educating the community may be a first step to help people recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness, and to learn listening skills.  Mental Health First Aid is an example of such a curriculum.  The Companionship Model is another curriculum that focuses on what faith communities can do to be more inclusive.  These resources aim to build compassion, but caution must be taken that compassion does not become pity.  A goal of welcoming is to respect the dignity and worth of a person, and to celebrate differences.

NAMI says a faith community can be a safe place where people can be welcomed and supported. An invitation can be offered to sit with people in worship, or to join a small group or event for fellowship.

For more information, visit www.nami.org.  You may also want to watch this YouTube video, “3 Steps to Helping a Friend in Need,” by MentalHealthCCS.

Want to learn more about the Embrace Mental Wellness initiative? View the archives.