Reading: Transcript - Integration

Welcome back to the short on mental health integration, the mini-course. I am Brandon. In the last section, we talked about the inherent value of man and woman and how that value is fractured when sin entered the world, leading to brokenness and possibly the emergence of mental illness. In this section, we'll address the question of why integration matters and what it entails.

Integration, in this context, refers to merging faith and mental health. It involves how our faith and mental health intersect, influence each other, and shape our understanding. The hermeneutical spiral illustrates this interaction, where our experiences inform our interpretation of scripture, which in turn shapes our experiences.

The need for integration becomes evident when individuals experience disintegration. When we started our nonprofit to work with faith and mental health, we encountered people struggling with a sense of loss and brokenness. They expressed three common sentiments repeatedly. First, "I will never be who I was." Many felt a loss of identity and purpose, transitioning from positions of authority to feeling inadequate and insignificant.

Second, "I'm not good enough anymore." Their worth became tied to their ability to perform, and as their capacities diminished due to mental illness, so did their sense of value.

Third, "How could God let me go through this? Does God still love me?" Some even questioned God's love, feeling abandoned or punished by their suffering.

These struggles weren't just about managing mental health issues but also about reconciling faith in the midst of mental illness. Questions about identity, worth, and God's love became overwhelming. Mental health struggles could cost individuals everything, leaving them with no answers to fundamental questions about themselves and their relationship with God.

So, why integrate faith and mental health? Because mental illness can shatter the foundation of one's faith, leaving them adrift in doubt and despair. We had to reassess what it means to be human, to be valued, and to be loved by God. Through coaching and discipleship, many eventually found affirmation and hope, but initially, they were far from such reassurance.

In the next section, we'll delve deeper into the process of integration and its transformative potential for those grappling with mental health challenges.