Day 2: The Meal

5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

 1 Kings 19: 5&6

People neglect themselves when they are depressed. Basic habits like eating and hygiene become arduous tasks, especially when the desire to die to so overwhelming. So Elijah, in his depression, sleeps beneath the juniper tree. God sends an angel to meet Elijah’s need: he is not chastised for being depressed, nor is he judged, and he does not have to endure a long lecture about someone else’s struggle, and how his predicament pales in comparison. God meets him right at his need: he feeds him.

We’re not all psychologists or mental health professionals, and it’s unlikely that any close friend or relative of yours who is suffering from a mental health issue expects you to have all the answers anyway, but sometimes when we try too hard, we end up doing more harm than good. Basic things like sending a text of encouragement, or phoning the person (if they’re up for it), visiting them to see if they need help with the washing in their home, and cooking them a meal—these are practical things that cost little, but goes a long way. Many religious people in particular have a lot of difficulty coming to terms with their own depression because their fellow believers can be judgemental, offering cheap prayers and assuming that the illness is a result of a lack of faith, but mental health illness is no respecter of persons, and it is important that everyone—religious or not—makes an effort with their loved ones to meet them at their need.

Here’s a practical tip: The Buddy Box is a subscription service from the Blurt Foundation that delivers products to promote mental wellbeing, such as teas, books, sweets and items of clothing—in their words “a hug in a box”. You can order Buddy Boxes as gifts for people you know who could do with the mental boost—even better, make your own! And send it to a friend.

The previous devotion was directed at those who are struggling through a mental health crisis. This devotion is geared towards the friends and loved ones of the struggler. So think: how can you help a loved one during their time of need?