Connections that promote mental health at work

Russ Waldrop / "From the Pulpit"
Published: May 22, 2008

The Mental Health Association of Augusta, a United Way agency, announces its 54th annual emphasis on May is Mental Health Month. Its goal is to raise public awareness about mental illness and the importance of promoting mental wellness for everyone. The theme this year is “Get Connected,” and, according to Donna Gum, executive director of the association, the group has issued a “Mental Health Connection Challenge” that encourages everyone to “get connected” with their own resources for mental health. Do you know what yours are?
The MHA-A recognizes five positive and life-fulfilling connections that can be made and developed during the month of May. They are: 1) family and friends, 2) coworkers, 3) community members, 4) oneself and 5) mental health professionals.
Today we look at spiritual connections in our relationships with coworkers. In that sense, the church is a workplace like any other institution, maybe more so. Recently, a new church member said to the long-time member who had encouraged her to change her membership, “This church is just like my own family to me. I feel right at home here. Everybody fights all the time.”
Her surprising conclusion expresses a truth about interpersonal relationships in church and other workplaces. We carry our past with us, both the bad (our baggage) and the good (our luggage). The trouble is that one person’s baggage may be another person’s luggage. Thus, it is not so much a “church” problem as it is one of bringing unresolved family issues along with us and reenacting them in church or other places of work. The Apostle Paul called them “human nature” problems (Gal. 5:19 TEV).
The early church was often the picture of loving relationships (Acts 2:44-45). On the other hand, marked divisions and squabbles could erupt in its daily life and personal relationships (Col. 3:8-17; First Peter 2:1; Gal. 5:19-26). Even church leaders could experience “in-your-face” arguments to the point of bad feelings and separation (Gal. 2:11-14; Acts 15:39-40). Again, these were more “human nature” problems than “church” problems and the answer to them was both spiritual and human. See if this solution works for you and your coworkers, whatever your institution.
“The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control, none of which is illegal” (Gal. 5:22-23). Too simple? Of course it is. That’s why it is so hard. Yet, it does work when applied consistently, sincerely and with open communication and majority involvement. Considering the alternative, described in Galatians 5:19-21, isn’t it worth a try?
The Mental Health Association of Augusta is a chapter of a nationwide nonprofit, nongovernmental volunteer organization that provides information and referral services, pro-bono counseling, and a mental health directory of professional counselors. They also offer parenting programs in conjunction with the Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth, another United Way Agency. Workshop topics include: parenting, divorce, domestic violence, money management, alcohol and drug addiction, and many others.
Donna H. Gum is executive director of the Mental Health Association of Augusta, located in the Professional Building, Room 206, in Staunton. She may be reached at 949-0169, 886-7181, or . The Web site is http://www.mha-augusta.org. The Central Shenandoah Valley Office on youth, with locations in Staunton and Waynesboro, can be reached at 942-6757.
(Conclusion next week.)
The Rev. Dr. Russell G. Waldrop is a licensed professional counselor and a pastoral counselor. He is chaplain of Western State Hospital. Contact him at 332-8004 or at .