[CP Today] Lebanon, a haven for Christianity, on brink of collapse

Struggling through the pandemic? You’re not alone.

It has been a tough year. We made it through a challenging election season and are still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health was a serious issue before 2020, with The National Alliance on Mental Illness reporting that one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. This does not take into consideration the events of 2020, which resulted in an increase in people seeking treatment for mental health and substance abuse concerns.
As Christians, we know the importance of tending to our spiritual health. Colossians 3:16 instructs us: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
However, there is a stigma around seeking help for emotional health, especially for Christians. Many people still do not understand the causes of mental illness or may believe it is a lack of faith. But seeing a secular therapist may not be the right answer for a Christian who views the Bible as the ultimate guidebook for living and recognizes that God is in control even in difficult circumstances.
By combining Biblical wisdom with clinical expertise in mental health, the counselors with Faithful Counseling invite God into the conversation during their counseling sessions. Their goal is to holistically improve clients’ well-being, so that they may feel mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy.

Although this year is looking better as more people receive the vaccine, the ramifications from the pandemic will linger. Similar to natural disasters, a public health crisis has lasting impact. The Kaiser Family Foundation found that four in 10 adults in the United States reported symptoms of anxiety or depression during the pandemic. Many also have difficulties with sleeping and worsening of chronic symptoms as a result.
In the aftermath of a public health crisis like COVID-19, there are often increased rates in substance abuse, post-traumatic symptoms, and depression. COVID-19 adds additional stresses from mitigating the spread with mask wearing and keeping a distance from other people, which limits ability to gain social support. KFF also noted that the mental health impact of disasters lasts longer than the physical one. They highlighted a study of health care providers who experienced psychological distress three years past an outbreak. To maintain or improve mental health in the long-term, people who may benefit from counseling should seek it out now. For those who want professional help to work through these issues, Faithful Counseling offers affordable Christian therapy to address both needs by matching people with the right therapist.
On World Mental Health Day in October of 2020, the World Health Organization noted a significant disruption in mental health services while the demand increased. With many people still practicing social distancing, possibly for another year, an online counseling format is ideal. Clients have the option for live chat, phone sessions, or video sessions and have positive feedback about remote sessions with Faithful Counseling. There are no long-term commitments and Christian Post readers can get started with 10% off the first month.