What has been your experience with those with mental illness, and how have you ministered with them?

[Austin]

From clinical depression that led to ‘successful suicide,’ to those diagnosed with schizophrenia… it is not easy.
1. They did not choose to have this ‘disease.’ They too, are made in the image of God. They too, are fallen, and is capable to sin.
2. Acceptance of who they are. I do not attempt to ‘cure’ them.
3. Each meeting is listening to their stories, and guide them to take small steps to build up their self-worth. Usually, somehow those I met have rather grandeur aspirations.
4. Encourage and check them if they have regularly taken their medicine.
5. Watch out for ‘signs of relapse,’ and check them in if they become suicidal.
6. Integrate them into a safe community if they are stable, and less disruptive or manipulative.
7. Support their family with mature “befrienders.”