Understanding Mental Health

There is no health without mental health. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance use disorders are common. According to the World Health Organization, they affect one in eight persons globally. While effective treatments exist, stigma, ignorance and misinformation hinder millions of people around the world from seeking treatment. Left untreated, these conditions exact a terrible toll of suffering on individuals and families around the world. Some faith traditions attribute mental health conditions solely to spiritual causes, such as sin, demonic influence and a lack of faith. These mindsets can delay help-seeking, discourage adherence to treatment, prolong suffering and can sometimes lead to death. This book aims to demystify mental health conditions; their causes, manifestations and treatment. It is particularly written to faith leaders, who are often the initial point of contact for families seeking assistance for these conditions. By educating and informing leaders, this material positions faith leaders to offer comfort, support and guidance to help-seekers. In addition to discussing common mental health conditions and their treatment, it offers tips on promoting mental health and suggestions on ways to integrate faith and medicine for maximal benefit. Although primarily written to those who profess the Christian faith, the contents will educate and inform all readers.

There is no health without mental health. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, dementia, and alcohol use disorders are highly prevalent, affecting one in eight persons globally, according to the World Health Organization. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of common mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions and drug and alcohol use have increased. These trends are projected to continue to increase over the next decade. Left untreated, these conditions exact a terrible toll; not only do they cause untold human suffering, but they are linked to poor medical and functional outcomes. Additionally, they impose a significant economic toll on individuals, families and societies, from lost productivity and ancillary costs. Within faith communities, mental health conditions are often misunderstood. Some faith traditions attribute mental health conditions solely to spiritual causes, such as sin, demonic influence or a lack of faith. Other faith traditions actively discourage seeking treatment from medical or mental health professionals. This can prolong suffering and can even lead to death from suicide, medical complications and neglect. This book aims to demystify mental illness for faith communities. Written in plain language over 7 chapters, it discusses what is known about the causes of common mental health conditions, their manifestations, how they are treated and how that treatment can be accessed. It also provides tips for promoting mental health and suggestions on the role of faith in recovery. For families and particularly for faith leaders, it positions helpers and bystanders to recognize common mental health conditions, provide immediate assistance and referral to the appropriate treatment resource. This book will be an invaluable resource for individuals, communities and leaders seeking to understand these conditions and how to help those experiencing them.

Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka is a multi-award-winning psychiatrist, author, and speaker. As Chief Medical Officer for Philadelphia's public mental health system, he led the redesign of Philadelphia's crisis system and the implementation of 988 in Philadelphia. In July 2022, Philadelphia was recognized by as a model City for 988 implementation by the Biden Administration. Dr Shoyinka trained at Yale, Columbia, and NYU, is Triple Board certified and holds an MBA from the Kelley School of Business. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania and a Fellow of the Philadelphia College of Physicians. He serves on the Board of the American Association for Community Psychiatry, the Medical Director Institute of the National Council, and the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry. Dr Shoyinka has received Special Presidential Commendation and the Jeanne Spurlock Minority Fellowship Achievement Awards from the American Psychiatric Association. He has been recognized as a Black leader shaping the future of Psychiatry by the Scattergood Foundation and is a regular guest speaker at state and national conferences. He lives in the greater Philadelphia area with his wife, Dr Kemi Shoyinka, and their 3 children.