Have you ever wondered why school kids get so much homework? Teachers are onto the fact that repetition and revision is necessary to remember what we are trying to learn. The body and the mind need regular workouts. Memory improves with repetition every day just like our fitness levels do when we exercise our bodies.
The brain is the command centre to the rest of the body affecting our ability to think, act and function. We exercise our bodies to keep fit and in shape, so why not exercise the brain to keep it functioning at peak level? Exercises to keep the brain mentally fit will boost the memory and increase creativity.
Regular reading, studying and figuring things out for ourselves can raise questions that need answers, help increase our thinking processes and elevate our level of understanding.
Just as we get physically sick we can also become mentally sick. We need to look after the brain by keeping it fit and healthy as possible.
Seeking Help & Treatment
Most of us would take a tablet to relieve a headache and pray about our physiological illnesses. Prayer is essential for our healing while we often we reach out to professionals for help. We visit the doctor, are prescribed medication and are sent to specialists. Mental health can be prayed about, yet it requires the attention and treatment by trained professionals who have the essential skills. Some disorders require medication to alleviate symptoms and primarily give quality of life and control back to the person seeking help.
Looking back at human history, people have long considered mental illness the mind governing the actions of a person with madness. Jesus was even considered to be mad by his family. Mark 3:21
Mental Health Grace Alliance states, “The Bible and Madness – What we call mental illness was not always treated as a medical problem. In the not too distant past the abnormal thoughts, feelings and behaviours often associated with these disorders were suggested to be signs of personal weakness and something to be ashamed of. Unfortunately, this is still a far too common perception in the Church today and has resulted in the alienation of thousands who desperately need the spiritual support that only the body of Christ can provide.”
Whether we believe that mental illness is a spiritual condition or not – We can’t afford to dismiss mental illness if we are to effectively help those who need God’s grace.
By aifc Admin
Sources: Mental Health Grace Alliance
Where to Find Help
Talk to your doctor who can point you in the right direction.
Visit CCAA to search for a Christian counsellor near you.
Visit ACA to search for a counsellor near you.
Free 24/7 Counselling Services
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
Headspace on 1800 650 890
Studying at aifc
Have you thought about counselling? It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can extend God’s love and grace to the hurting out in the community.
For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:
At The beginning of each year in February.
Mid-Year courses commence in July.
Enrolments open approximately 3 months prior the courses commencing. Enquire now by filling out the form with your details to receive course information by email.
Note: A Masters course in Christian counselling will be introduced in 2018.
Contact aifc Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm with your enquiries on 6242 5111 or toll free on 1300 721 397
Have you thought about becoming a qualified counsellor? It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can extend God's love and grace to the hurting out in the community.
For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:
Enrolment Season - opens approximately 2 months prior to our courses commencing. Enrol online here during our enrolment season.
We also offer two modes of study:
A Master of Counselling course was introduced in 2018.