By Emma Thompson
Mental health is a common topic and issue in current society. Especially during the end of the semester, students tend to be extremely busy and worn out. Navigating these situations can be tough, and oftentimes students are unaware of practical ways to manage their stress.
Professor Mario Melendez offered some advice to students in regards to mental health.
“The greatest mental health struggle that I see and students have told me of is anxiety and depression. I completely understand and relate… since having Covid I have also been diagnosed with anxiety and struggle to keep it in check daily” OBU’s Augie Henry Chair of Old Testament and Assistant Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Studies Mario Melendez said.
As a solution to this, Melendez suggests that students don’t overload themselves with extracurriculars.
“When we take a ‘Sabbath’ or ‘Rest’ we are able to breathe and let the blood pressure go down, and the anxiety to likewise go down,” Melendez said.
When some students express mental health concerns, they’re met with pushback and discouraging comments suggesting their issue lies in lacking faith.
“When I hear statements such as these, I think sometimes yes and sometimes no,” Melendez said. “I…completely believe in psychology and the realities of brain chemistry… So there are instances that someone’s chemicals can be messed up! I know like I said that Covid screwed up mine, and many of my friends likewise! So, I’d not say that we ‘aren’t right with God’ but rather are feeling the brokenness of the world!”
Melendez went on to say that his wife works teaching psychology and social work for Tulane University, and is currently teaching a class on the intersection of faith and trauma.
“The stats she showed me are profound that those of any faith do better when faced with trauma. That being said, I also think that Christ and a good relationship with obeying Christ have a greater correlation to mental health,” Melendez said.
Additionally, Melendez addresses the disorder side of mental illness and the need of medicinal or therapeutic treatment.
“I believe that through scripture and mental health studies, those that are active, around people, contributing to society, and actively helping care for others are more likely to fight off some sorts of mental health. Again, I do not believe these steps will stave off the likes of (bi-polar, manic depressive, multiple-personality, etc…) those are greater issues which need both spiritual and clinical (often medicinal) help,” Melendez said.
Melendez suggests participating in and faithfully attending a church, as community is beneficial in increasing good mental health and allows brothers and sisters in Christ to handle these issues together.
“I always encourage students, spend more time in scripture than you do anything else… A great place to start / meditate on would be Matthew 5, the Sermon on the Mount,” Melendez said.
He finished with a Charles Spurgeon quote: “A bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” This is a wonderful picture of the ultimate peace that flows from a relationship with God. Likewise, it shows that God has given us gifts, such as community and even medication, that can aid in improving our mental health.
