Bishop’s Message
“Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority.”
This is the slogan adopted by the World Health Organization for this year’s World Mental Health Day (10 October 2022).1 Recent years have generated more awareness of the importance of mental health and the nature of mental illness which afflicts far more of us than we think or admit. We would be wise to acquaint ourselves with the different ways in which we can promote stronger mental health in our families and friends.2
The Lord Jesus Christ, almost 2,000 years ago, had already taught his disciples important ways to promote mental health and to cope with periodic bouts of mental illness.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29 NIV
Especially in times when I feel mentally weak and unwell, it has helped me to read and hear the advice and invitation of the Lord Jesus to learn “gentleness” and to “find rest for [my] soul”.
May we as a Church help each other, and our neighbours, find mental health and well-being for our weary souls.
1 https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2022
2 Visit this website for suggestions on dealing with mental health https://www.who.int/westernpacific/activities/promoting-mental-health
Bishop Dr Gordon Wong was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2020.
He served as President of the Trinity Annual Conference from 2012-2020.
