Brief Summary
This video features a seminar on mental health hosted by Lusaka Baptist Church. The seminar includes a presentation by Professor Beway, who defines health and mental health, discusses various mental disorders, and identifies factors that increase the risk of developing these disorders. Pastor Kifunga follows with a discussion on misconceptions about mental health, challenges to mental well-being, and biblical perspectives on depression, including its causes and cures. The session concludes with a Q&A addressing how to assist individuals unwilling to seek help, managing attention-seeking behaviours, and differentiating between mental illness and other conditions.
- Definitions of health and mental health are provided.
- Common mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder are discussed.
- Practical advice is given on how to support individuals facing mental health challenges.
Opening Remarks and Hymn
The seminar begins with introductory remarks and a hymn. The congregation sings "Jesus, My Lord, to Thee I Cry" and "Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord," setting a reflective tone for the discussion on mental health.
Prayer and Introduction to Mental Health Seminar
Pastor Kifunga leads the congregation in prayer, expressing gratitude for the day and the opportunity to reflect on mental health. He asks for wisdom for those presenting and answering questions, and for the seminar to be valuable for attendees, whether they are facing mental health challenges or seeking to support others. He then introduces Professor Beway to lead the seminar.
Definitions of Health and Mental Health
Professor Beway begins by defining health according to the World Health Organization (WHO) as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. He emphasises that mental health is an integral and essential component of overall health. Mental health is described as a state of well-being where an individual realises their abilities, copes with normal life stresses, works productively, and contributes to their community. Mental health is determined by a complex interplay of individual, social, and structural factors.
Specific Mental Disorders
Professor Beway outlines specific mental disorders, including anxiety disorders (characterised by excessive fear and worry), depression (feeling sad, irritable, or empty, with loss of interest), bipolar disorder (alternating depressive and manic episodes), post-traumatic stress disorder (triggered by extremely threatening events), schizophrenia (impairment in perception and changes in behaviour), eating disorders (like anorexia), disruptive behaviour disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism).
Risk Factors and Treatment Availability
The presentation identifies risk factors for developing mental disorders, such as poverty, violence, disability, inequalities, and social dysfunction. Professor Beway confirms that treatment is available, including medication and psychosocial support, to manage and control mental disorders.
Misconceptions and Challenges to Mental Health
Pastor Kifunga discusses misconceptions about mental health and defines it as encompassing emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. He notes that challenges to mental health include environmental stressors and individual stress factors like long-term illness, loss of loved ones, and hardship.
Depression: A Biblical Perspective
Pastor Kifunga narrows the focus to depression, defining it using Dr. Robert Smith's description as a debilitating mood of hopelessness that prevents individuals from handling important life issues. He shares a 16th-17th century definition describing the depressed as being in great pain, with destruction of soul, restlessness, and continual fears. He notes that depression is common, even among Christians, and is often misunderstood with a terrible stigma attached to it.
Symptoms and Causes of Depression
The discussion covers symptoms of depression affecting thoughts, the body (disturbed sleep, tiredness, weight fluctuations, digestive problems, bodily pain, choking feeling), and behaviour (loss of interest, social withdrawal). Causes of depression include living in a sinful world, genetic factors, brain chemistry, post-adrenaline depression, premenstrual syndrome, physical illness, side effects of drugs, improper diet, insufficient exercise, old age, psychological factors (wrong thinking), and spiritual causes (Satan, sin, unresolved guilt, wrong responses to life).
Cures for Depression
Pastor Kifunga explains that the cure for depression depends on its cause, outlining four main categories of solutions: medical (drug treatment), psychological (various therapies), social/relational (overcoming conflicts, training in relating to others), and biblical (repentance, faith in Christ). He stresses the importance of identifying the root cause of the depression to apply the appropriate solution.
Q&A: Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Providing Immediate Support
A question is raised about how to respond to someone contemplating suicide. Professor Beway and Pastor Kifunga emphasise the importance of presence, listening, and offering hope. They suggest being with the person, allowing them to express their feelings, and providing a supportive environment. Prayer and continued friendship are also recommended.
Q&A: Assisting Individuals Unwilling to Receive Help
The discussion addresses how to assist someone unwilling to receive help, particularly when they attribute their issues to spiritual causes like demons or witchcraft. Professor Beway suggests involving law enforcement or trusted individuals to ensure safety and credibility when seeking psychiatric assessment. Pastor Kifunga adds that spiritual leaders should assess claims of demonic influence but also recognise when the problem may be medical or psychological, advocating for a balanced approach.
Q&A: Managing Attention-Seeking Behaviours
The panel discusses how to manage attention-seeking behaviours, particularly when they reinforce irrational actions. Pastor Kifunga suggests that ignoring such behaviours entirely may not be the best approach. Instead, he recommends providing limited, structured attention and training the individual to discipline themselves.
Q&A: Handling Disruptive Behaviours Affecting Caregivers
A question is posed about handling disruptive behaviours from a believer that negatively affect the caregiver. Professor Beway advises recognising danger signs and seeking help from trusted individuals or church elders. He stresses the importance of protecting one's own health and well-being while providing care.
Q&A: Differentiating Mental Illness from Other Conditions
The final question concerns differentiating mental illness from other conditions, such as sleep deprivation or drug side effects, particularly in cases of hallucinations or talking to oneself. Professor Beway and Pastor Kifunga emphasise the need to rule out other potential causes before concluding that it is a mental health issue. They suggest checking for sleep deprivation, medication side effects, and physical ailments, advocating for thorough assessment and medical consultation.
Closing Remarks and Prayer
Pastor Kifunga announces future seminars on specific mental health problems and the establishment of a team of elders and medical professionals to provide advice. Mr. Temple leads a closing prayer, thanking God for the enriching discussion and asking for guidance in supporting those in need. The session concludes with an invitation for attendees to approach elders or other church members for help with mental health concerns.
