We humans are complex creatures with spiritual, psychological, physical and social dimensions. We constantly balance and readjust these various dimensions in the hanging mobile we call ourselves. But add to these dimensions the stress and dysfunction that come from living in a fallen world and the result is that none of us have perfectly balanced personalities.
Some people, however, respond to life’s stresses in ways that tilt these dimensions way off balance. Instead of being able to adjust their personal mobile during times of stress so that they regain a balanced life, their mobile seems to droop helplessly, negatively affecting them in their various dimensions.
Sometimes a men’s team ministry encounters people in these situations. A team knows something about their care receiver is wrong, but they can’t quite put their finger on it. It’s possible that they may be dealing with someone who has a neurosis. Here are some suggestions on how to respond.
Learn how to identify a neurosis. A neurosis is typically defined as “a relatively mild mental illness that is not caused by organic disease, involving symptoms of stress (depression, anxiety, obsessive behavior, hypochondria) but not a radical loss of touch with reality” (a psychosis). The beauty of men’s team ministry is that you have the opportunity to observe someone in their home over months and years. Since a neurosis is an unhealthy emotional pattern that results in social and/or physical dysfunction, you can see this pattern manifest itself over time.
Serve and minister on whatever level you can. Your faithful, ongoing presence as a team is itself a healing balm for your care receiver. Do whatever projects need to be done around his or her home, but remember to spend time talking and relating on a deeper level. Just letting your care receiver vent and then responding to him or her with unconditional love is a significant ministry.
Inject spiritual truth. Remind your care receiver that God is faithful, powerful, and loving. Read scripture. Pray. Bring God’s presence into their life.
Get advice from your pastor or appropriate staff member. Your pastor or a staff member has likely had training in counseling. Seek him out and get his input on how to address the situation.
Gently encourage your care receiver to get help. Help your care receiver problem solve. Ask them to to think of possible solutions to their problem. If he or she doesn’t mention counseling, suggest it as one of the potential solutions.
Remember that you’re not a psychologist. Don’t try to diagnose your care receiver. Leave that up to a professional.
Knowing just a few things about neurosis and how to respond will go a long way to helping you serve your care receiver better.
This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.
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Learn how to form teams of men for every widow, single mom
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