Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing in the midst of COVID-19

Mental health is a topic we care about immensely at Cinnamon. We’ve often heard it said that loneliness is a key contributor to poor mental health. As we have all been asked to “lock down”, here are some key ways churches can support good mental health.

LISTEN TO THE RECORDING OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING WEBINAR HERE

Ruth Rice runs Renew Wellbeing, a charity that helps churches to open spaces of welcome and inclusion in partnership with mental health teams to improve mental and emotional wellbeing. She shares some ideas of how we can continue to attend to our wellbeing and be present, prayerful and in partnership, even though we can’t physically be together.

  • CONNECT: How are you connecting with the peace of God? What are your daily habits of meditation and prayer etc? How could you connect using technology with those around you and those most isolated?
  • LEARN: What new habits and hobbies could you have a go at instead of watching the news and flicking through social media? Is there a way to share these hobbies via videos link?
  • GET ACTIVE: What daily rhythms of exercise and outdoor time can you have and who could you include in some way safely?
  • TAKE NOTICE: What are you observing about how you are feeling? Could you keep a journal, start a blog? What habits of stillness and silence do you have – think about using the psalms or breath prayers.
  • GIVE: Who could you help and how? Think about colleagues, neighbours, friends or relatives who you can safely reach out to.

Ruth Rice, founder of Renew Wellbeing is posting daily videos on Vimeo including morning prayers, reflections and encouragement. These short posts will help us all put into practice some good routine and rhythms of prayer to encourage our spiritual life.

More tools

Other tools that might be helpful for you or anyone who you who is struggling with their mental health at this time.

  • Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries have developed The Sanctuary Coursefor anyone who wants to explore issues of faith and mental health. For the next month, the course is available for free.
  • Mind, the mental health charity, have produced some really practical tips that will help you to stay safe while supporting your mental health online.
  • The BBC also has some useful pointers to help you to effectively navigate the barrage of news, rumour and hearsay, that is inevitably swirling around.
  • The Mental Health Foundation have some great really practical advice to help individuals who are struggling with anxiety.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30