Link – How To Bring A Casserole To The Psych Ward: And Other Ways To Serve Church Members Who Have Mental Illness
Obviously, from the title, this article was written to the church, but I honestly think the same advice applies to anyone who is dealing with mental health struggles and how any of us can be supportive of them.
Amy Simpson, author of the book Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and The Church’s Mission, coined the term “No-Casserole-Illness” because many who are met with physical ailments in life are helped and offered meals, but when someone who is sick in their brain is diagnosed with an invisible ailment that affects their behavior, they’re less likely to receive comfort from those around them. They’re seen as an impediment and a drama-filled attention-seeking crazy person.
I love the term. It’s absolutely true. As many of you know, we’ve had a couple of funerals in my wife’s family the past couple of months, and no shortage of people bringing us meals, or asking what they can do for us. When I was sick, I don’t really remember anyone doing the same. In fact, I’m fairly sure most people were just plain uncomfortable around me, as if depression was contagious or something. Not everyone, but enough that it impacted me, and hurt me as I tried to feel normal again.
