Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ.
My aim in today’s letter is to share with you on mental health. Did you just ask why? It is because the 10th October every year has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as World Mental Health Day. This year, 2022, the theme for World Mental Health Day is, ‘Make mental health & well-being for all a global priority’. The intention of this theme is “to focus on increasing access to knowledge and support relating to mental health wherever possible globally and thought about how we could contribute”.
This theme is very apt ,as in the past year or two there has been increased and growing concern for people’s mental health. This has no doubt been compounded by the Coronavirus Covid19 pandemic.
Following is the opening paragraph of an article, entitled, ‘How has the pandemic affected mental health now that it’s “over” ?’, written by Nicole Lamarco,
“W.H.O. Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus classified the pandemic as a mass trauma, a term generally reserved for tragedies such as natural disasters or wars. Yet the collective experience of Covid-19 inflicted wounds on society that the Director-General believes exceed even those caused by World War Two. His March 5, 2021 declaration feels more relevant than ever, now in 2022, as we deal with the enduring effects of the pandemic. ”
Note that the word “over” in the title of the article is in inverted comas. This is an indication that the pandeminc may not be truly over. The article further states the following: “Upwards of 70 million soldiers fought in World War Two. Yet, an estimated 7.76 billion people were suffering through their personal battles when COVID struck –– taking the lives of loved ones, rattling the economy, and devastating traditional societal norms. Impacts that had profound effects on the population, and still do, despite the pandemic being “over.” ”
I fully support and recommend this theme and its aim to you. Seek to access as much knowledge as possible on how to maintain good ‘mental health and well-being. Share your experiences of success with others. After all, experience is still the greatest teacher. In addition to these and other means, I recommend these verses for your personal meditation,
8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8–9
Love and best wishes to your wonderful family, from my family and myself.
Yours in Christ
Tyrone Hunkins, Rev.