Inside Out: Mind Over Matter

Inside Out: Mind Over Matter 1-Mind over matter or phase of mind means the use of willpower to overcome physical problems.

MSG

Today’s lesson is the second installment of a three-part series entitled Inside Out, wherein we will introduce principles for healthy living. Today’s topic is Mental Health.

Focal Text: MSG - 33 It happened at once. Nebuchadnezzar was driven out of human company, ate grass like an ox, and was soaked in heaven’s dew. His hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a hawk. 34-35 “At the end of the seven years, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked to heaven. I was given my mind back and I blessed the High God, thanking and glorifying God, who lives forever: …

Introduction

• Theodicy 2- Theodicy answers the question of why a good God permits the manifestation of evil and how God can in fact be good in the midst of challenging circumstances. Teaches us there are times when good things happen to “bad” people and “bad” things can sometimes happen to good people.

• Challenging experiences are inevitable; however, we can choose how we will respond to these experiences mentally and emotionally.

• Sometimes people are unable to adequately handle trauma and their mental health pays the price.

• A review of the 2016 Dekalb County Community Mental Health Board Annual Report revealed 81% of its funding was used to aide persons who are mentally ill.

• Poor mental health is a problem for people in the church and the community at large.

• Our physical health is just as important as our mental health.

According to Mental Health America, common symptoms of mental illness include, but are not limited to:

• Confused thinking

• Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)

• Feelings of extreme highs and lows

• Excessive fears, worries and anxieties

• Social withdrawal

• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits

• Strong feelings of anger

• Strange thoughts (delusions)

• Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations)

• Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities

• Suicidal thoughts

• Numerous unexplained physical ailments

• Substance use

The Big Idea: God will give you your mind 3 back.-The part of a person that feels, thinks, perceives, wills, and especially reasons

Nebuchadnezzar displays classic symptoms of mental illness in our text, however his story ends with restoration and subsequent rehabilitation, but how does he get there? Let’s explore his condition and a few ways we can get our minds back when hard things happen in our lives.

I. Isolation (Social Withdrawal) - NRSV 33 Immediately the sentence was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven away from human society, …

A. Feelings of hopelessness ; ;

B. Suicidal ideations

C. Increased negative thoughts

1 Mind over matter or phase of mind means the use of willpower to overcome physical problems.

2 Theodicy answers the question of why a good God permits the manifestation of evil and how God can in fact be good in the midst of challenging circumstances.

3 The part of a person that feels, thinks, perceives, wills, and especially reasons

II. Dehydration/Starvation (Dramatic changes in eating and sleeping habits) - - …ate grass like oxen, and his body was bathed with the dew of heaven, …

A. Poor physical health ;

B. Lack of energy

C. Lack of motivation

III. Desolation (Prolonged depression) - - until his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers and his nails became like birds’ claws.

A. Poor hygiene

B. Undesirable appearance

C. Lethargy

IV. Rehabilitation - - Nebuchadnezzar Praises God- 34 When that period was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me.

A. Wholeness

B. Strength

C. Mental Awareness

D. Spiritual Awareness ;

What is our path to RESTORATION, if you identify the symptoms listed in our lesson introduction and ?

Ten Ways to Love Your Brain 4-www.alz.org, The Alzheimer’s Association, Ten Ways to Love Your Brain

Mental health is inextricably tied to brain health. What are some practical ways we can increase our overall brain health?

1. Exercise - Engage in regular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain.

2. Read More - Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

3. Stop Smoking - Evidence shows that smoking increases the risks of cognitive decline.

4. Good Heart Health - Evidence shows that risk factors for heart disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes negatively impact your cognitive health.

5. Be Safe - Brain injury raises your risk of cognitive decline. Wear a seat belt and a helmet where applicable.

6. Eat Healthy - Eat a healthy balanced diet lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

7. Go to Sleep - Lack of sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.

8. Seek Treatment When Needed - See medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.

9. Become More Socially Engaged - Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that mean something to you.

10. Challenge Your Mind - Challenging your mind with puzzles, arts and crafts, and games, which require strategy, have short and long-term benefits for your brain.

Apply It! W.I.I.F.M.? (What’s In It For ME?)

1. What external factors threaten your mental health?

2. How might you implement principles from our lesson to increase your cognitive health?