The Canadian Mental Health Association has designated May 4 to 10 as Mental Health Week.Â
The theme for this year is 'Get real about how you feel.'
When we consider the effects of COVID-19, this is quite timely. We are beginning to see that this virus not only impacts physical health; but it also affects our mental state. A growing number of health experts are raising concerns regarding the stress and anxiety that this pandemic is creating. They believe there may be a long-term psychological impact on the lives of Canadians.
The term psychology comes from two Greek words: psyche, which means 'life principle' or 'soul,' and logia, which means 'word' or 'intellect.'Â
From an ancient Greek perspective, psychology would involve applying the intellect to understanding the soul. Today we would define it as the scientific study of the mind and human behaviour.
The mind focuses on what is intellectual and the soul on what is spiritual. They are not opposed to each other. I believe that the spiritual life does have a role to play in maintaining our overall well-being. It can help to make us more resilient when faced with adversity.
In his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul states, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God â€" what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2)
This scripture passage reminds us that God does not want us to simply 'conform.' The challenge is to 'transform.'
Using our mind and will, we make every effort to change ourselves and the world around us. If we only focus on the problems, without the possibilities, we can feel overwhelmed and helpless. Faith helps us to turn outward rather than inward with fear. We are reminded that with God all things are possible.
This is the essence of faith. It is rooted in hope.
In the same passage from Romans, Paul speaks about the essence of spiritual transformation. "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Romans 12:9-18)
This passage contains a great deal of wisdom for both the mind and the soul.
It shows us how to discern what is good, acceptable and perfect. Instead of letting the world transform us, we transform the world. Faith gives us the confidence to believe that we can make a difference.
Some have said that when this pandemic is over, the world will not be the same. The cynical may doubt this and the anxious will fear it; however, people of faith should embrace this possibility.
Get real about how you feel â€" we can make it better.