Every year May is national “Mental Health Awareness Month”. This is the first of five Saturday reflections or devotions on mental health during the month of May. The topic of mental health is a passion of mine for several reasons. First, my dad had a range of mental health struggles, particularly later in life. Second, through the experiences shared by my friends and their families, it seems that many of my peers have dealt with mental health issues at some point. Third, I am a member of the Grace Mental Health Team which was formed this past winter.

During this time of sheltering-in-place, I have participated via Zoom in several mental health education classes offered by NAMI MN (our state chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness). One of the recurring themes of these classes is that now it is more important than ever to pay attention to our mental health and well-being. A recent diagram shared during a NAMI class listed the following 8 aspects of wellness:

• Emotional
• Environmental
• Financial
• Intellectual
• Occupational (purpose)
• Physical
• Social
• Spiritual

Since March all of us have experienced significant changes in our lives due to COVID-19. When changes such as sheltering in place, illness, job loss, or homeschooling children while still working are viewed through the “lens” of wellness, it becomes clear that these changes impact many aspects of our lives and our overall sense of well-being. Recently Kristi Larson shared an insightful example about “juggling” the 8 aspects of wellness. When we have too much on our proverbial “plates” and we are faced with a decision, which of the wellness “balls” can we let drop? Will these balls bounce and we can pick them up again, or will the ball break if dropped? Kristi offered the example of a person diagnosed with diabetes cannot let their nutrition or physical health ball drop or they might encounter negative ramifications to their health. A safer or healthier option may be for this individual to allow the environmental “ball” to bounce and not feel the need to clean their apartment as planned that day.

Although we should prioritize our mental well-being every day, during these times it is especially important. One NAMI health educator advised: “every day do something for your brain, something for your body, something for your heart, something for your soul, and something for fun!” I think that is wise advice for our daily life whether living during a pandemic or not.

Below is a link to a 53-minute podcast, “Rhythm and Resilience with John O’Leary”. John O’Leary is a nationally-known motivational speaker from St. Louis who was burned in a house fire when he was 9 years old. While John O’Leary’s childhood story is painful, he has a positive and inspirational perspective on living during the pandemic.

I hope that you are able to pause today and take a few moments to think about your own mental health and overall wellness. What aspects of wellness seem to be functioning as they should and which need some attention or re-prioritizing?

Creating, healing and sustaining God, thank you for knowing and loving us just as we are. As we face challenges and struggles, help us to turn to you for wisdom, strength and provision. Thank you for your faithfulness. Amen.