The Need
U.S. adults are caregivers to
an adult family member or spouse
53 MILLION
of caregivers are dealing with high burden situations
40%
people in the U.S. suffer from Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
10 MILLION
People who struggle with serious mental illness (SMI) lack representation, medical treatment, housing and many other physical things that the rest of us take for granted. More than that, they are a marginalized group that most people turn away from. Many caregivers of those with SMI have been isolated from the Church. This is a whole group of the US population that the Church is generally neglecting, either from lack of confidence or understanding of how to care for them. Caregivers are reported having burnout, stress, fatigue, anxiety and more. Can you relate? Have you ever been overwhelmed and felt like you can’t possibly take on one more thing? These are feelings that caregivers battle with everyday. While the things that drive us to burnout are vastly different, the solution is the same – drawing near to and resting in Christ. And just like everyone else in the Church, caregivers need help lifting their eyes when their burdens are so heavy.
Why the Church Must Step In
The few resources that are available to people with SMI and their caregivers are mostly secular or address physical needs. But we know our greatest need is a Savior, not just a place to sleep or eat. The Church is not only capable, it is obligated to love this group of people. As followers of Christ, we are called to bear one another’s burdens. The church is uniquely equipped to provide opportunities where individuals and families affected by such conditions feel supported, loved, and included, reflecting the heart of Jesus in our midst. Through prayer, understanding, and practical support, our churches can become beacons of hope and healing, reflecting the love of Christ to our weakest members. Hosting a Caregiver Support Meeting is an opportunity to love both members of your church that struggle with SMI, and those in your community that desperately need to experienve the love of Christ.
What P82 has done for me, they have brought a group of people together that love God, who have loved ones that struggle with serious mental illness. Mostly it’s the love of Jesus and the support of other Christians.
Watch the video to hear Cheri's testimony.
Frequently asked questions
Your Church Can be a Haven for Caregivers
Anyone who follows Jesus can care for caregivers and their loved ones. Not everyone is called to crisis care, and that’s okay. But we are all called to love our neighbors and pursue the broken, just as Jesus did. Caregivers, like anyone in the Church, carry the weight of sin and suffering. The Church should be a place of worship, community, and hope, where we compassionately point one another to Christ.
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Our desire is to be an avenue to bring biblical care to someone walking through the challenges of caring for someone affected by mental illness. The purpose of this group is to help come alongside those enduring the rigors of life, dealing with the difficult realities of a loved one who is affected by mental illness and the aftermath of their treatment. This can often be a path where every day is a challenge, but the challenges change over time. The goal of this group is be a place where someone can talk about the difficulties of life, hear from others with similar struggles, however, always with a direction to see the hope found in Jesus Christ and the gospel, in order to better walk down the road before you as a care giver to a loved one with mental illness.