Mental Health for the Christian: a Higher Cause

I can't say enough about the importance of having a "higher cause." I'm referring to one's involvement in a cause or purpose that is bigger than himself or herself. This is often described in the various handbooks on cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy. Before going any further, I need to point out that it is not necessary to be a person of faith to have a higher cause. But when one pursues a higher cause while also connecting with his or her higher power, this can be a fantastic one-two punch when dealing with mental illness. Let's consider several reasons for this.

First of all, working for a higher cause helps with self-esteem. I'm referring particularly to the "down" state of unipolar depression or bipolar depression. This is when my self-image can be very low. If you battle such "down" times, I'm sure you know what I mean. And at such times, I am tempted to withdraw from any involvement with my higher cause. But if I force myself to stay engaged, I often find my mood lifted by the experience. And I feel better about myself. "I can do this!" I tell myself. My self-esteem rises.

Secondly, being involved in a higher cause is perhaps the most effective "distraction" I know of. It's hard to be dwelling on the thoughts in that swirling brain of yours when serving in a higher cause activity. This could be volunteering at a homeless shelter. It could be helping kids with reading. It could be serving at church. It could be leading a Bible study. It could be any number of activities. In any case, by serving you take the focus off yourself and onto others.

Third, being involved in your higher cause usually requires serving with others. This is yet another potent weapon in your mental health armament for dealing with mental illness. It has been well proven that socialization is highly effective for lifting mood and stabilizing mood swings. There's just something special about being with others, being together on the front lines for your higher cause. This is big for me. When I am down, I so very much want to withdraw from having to be around others. But when I force myself to engage, I often find my mood lifted. It's like when I don't want to exercise at the gym, but force myself to do it. I feel so much better afterwards.

Finally, and I am speaking to fellow Christians here. For us, many higher causes are "higher callings," in other words activities we commit ourselves to that answer to what we believe God has called us to do. When we do those activities, we do them in His power. The activity not only produces fruit for us and others, but we feel ourselves closer to the God as a result.

So there you have it! A higher cause--find it. A higher power--find Him!

Blessings!

The Christian Bipole

recoil from the thought of serving in the fray (of my higher cause). But if I force myself to stay engaged, I find that if I don't back out of those opportunities to serve