HealthLink360: Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

Mental Health Awareness Week - 12-18 May 2025

Article written and provided by HealthLink360

This Mental Health Awareness Week, it is important that we recognise and remember those serving in compassion driven roles. Often, feeling called to serve can mean that there is very little time to switch off; where the work/life boundaries become easily blurred.

Research shows that mental illness is one of the most common reasons missionaries return home early.[1] In addition, 1 in 10 church leaders report that their emotional wellbeing is poor or very poor.[2]

At HealthLink360, we are seeing an increasing need for psychological services amongst the faith community, particularly those in missionary and ministry positions. To ensure that the best care is given at every stage of the journey, whether it be before, during or after a job role or assignment, our team of clinical psychologists and counsellors offer preventative as well as reactive services.

Our expertise includes pre-assignment resilience profiles, mid-term psychological reviews, post-assignment psychological reviews, counselling, psychological therapy and debriefs. You can read more about our work and the services we offer on our website here.

Chris Dunkerley, head of psychological services at HealthLink360, said: “The biggest problems we see in global workers and volunteers are burnout and stress. This kind of work attracts people with caring hearts who believe passionately in what they are doing, but it also makes them vulnerable to working crazy hours and pouring themselves in heart and soul.

“It is not uncommon for such people to suffer burnout and end up leaving the field prematurely. Sensible working hours, good boundaries between work and rest, plenty of investment in friendships, hobbies, exercise and one’s relationship with God – all of this helps to protect against burnout.”

It can be difficult to know how to manage mental health practically day-to-day, especially if serving in high-stress, challenging environments.

To help with this, our psychological services team has compiled a list of top tips for managing and looking after our mental health this Mental Health Awareness Week.

1. Remember that connection to others is vital and a basic human need. Take a deep breath and meet up with people when it's allowed, even if you're out of practice and it feels scary. And keep using the technology available for virtual meetups, chats and catch-ups.

2. Don’t ruminate on things that are troubling you. Rumination shows up in nearly every mental health disorder. A helpful trick is to notice that the thoughts (fears, facts, rumours etc.) are there in your head, but to refuse to engage with them. They’re like buses that come and go; notice them but focus on the beautiful world around you.

3. Use your time to invest in what really matters: children, spouse, faith. No one said on their deathbed “I wish I’d spent more time working/cleaning/washing things.” Of course, some things need to be done but work on investing your time well.

4. Be creative: write, draw, sew, make music. Creativity is an important part of resilience.

5. Manage your emotions. This can be done by focusing on what you can control rather than what you can’t. Also acknowledge how you are feeling, note it, and if possible, share it with someone.

6. Get outside, if possible, for a change of scenery. Being in the fresh air and close to nature is good for lifting our mood. Notice nature and how it makes you feel. Regular exercise is helpful; running, walking or following an online programme.

7. Switch off media overload, social media and anything that is negative, untrue or causes fear.

If you, your team or organisation would benefit from our services and expertise, please get in touch on 0131 653 6767 or email admin@healthlink360.org and we’d be happy to discuss your needs.

[1] Brigham Young University, 2024

[2] Evangelical Alliance, 2021

Read further Global Connections' recommended resources relating to Mission and Mental Health.