HealthLink360 Mission & Mental Health

Written by HealthLink360 for Global Connections in November 2024

Why is it important to prioritise and recognise the mental health of missionary workers? Well, the statistics speak for themselves.

According to Christian mission organisation, Nations Outreach: 71% of missionaries leave the field each year for preventable reasons; and 47% of missionaries leave the field within the first five years. There are many reasons behind these numbers; some of which are linked to the mental wellbeing of the worker like burnout, conflict, stress, traumatic experiences and culture shock to name but a few. At HealthLink360, our calling is caring for those who care for others. We have over 40 years’ experience supporting missionary workers taking on some of the most complex assignments in some of the most challenging and remote locations. Our psychological services team, led by clinical psychologist Chris Dunkerley, understand what it’s like to live and work in such conditions and are skilled at ensuring those in compassion-drive roles are heard and supported at every step of their assignment. So, just what is this expertise that we offer before, during and after an assignment to help tackle these alarming statistics?

BEFORE

1. The Psychological Assessment for Overseas Service

This assesses an individual’s suitability for a long-term role/mission overseas. The candidate completes a detailed questionnaire and then meets with our clinician for an in-depth face-to-face discussion, normally by video conference. Areas assessed include psychological resilience, self-awareness, relationships, mental health, and more. A written report is produced for the individual and agency and, where applicable, includes recommendations for the individual’s continued wellbeing overseas, and recommendations to the agency about measures to put in place for the individual to thrive.

2. Resilience Assessment

This is for those who are preparing to start a new short-term role, volunteer position or travel. The individual is asked to complete an online questionnaire, which is then reviewed by a member of our psychological services team. This is used as the basis for a 30-minute phone or video call to follow up on relevant psychological or resilience issues. We’ll provide a brief report that highlights resilience risk factors and supportive or protective measures, and any further recommendations for wellbeing. As well as including helpful guidance – from our awareness of the deployment context – and what the individual has told us, the report makes a recommendation about fitness to proceed.

DURING

1. The Personal Review

This provides an unhurried, confidential time with an experienced therapist where an individual can reflect on their overseas experience, including work, relationships, and issues faced. It is both structured and client-focused and aims to strengthen psychological wellbeing.

2. Mid-Term Psychological Assessment

This is part psychological assessment and part Personal Review. Designed to help an individual and their agency to gauge how a person is doing, the session includes benefits associated with a Personal Review as well as identifying recommendations for the future. A report is produced for the individual and agency and advises what help and support a person might need in order to thrive.

3. Counselling

This offers a safe and confidential space for individuals – whether they’re based internationally or in the UK - to work through issues that they are feeling unsettled or held back by.

4. Psychological Therapy (such as CBT)

This assesses and treats a wide range of mental, emotional and behavioural difficulties such as depression, PTSD, anxiety or OCD.

AFTER

Overseas deployments can be great, but they can also lead to burnout, posttraumatic stress, anxiety, difficulties adjusting back to the home culture, and a range of other issues. Since 1983, our team has been supporting individuals and families returning home from overseas assignments as they make the transition back to life in the UK, sometimes whilst they are still processing tough or life-changing experiences. Our reviews are also adaptable to those based in the UK working in similar compassionate and people-centred roles.

The Post-Deployment Psychological Review

This is an opportunity to reflect on individual experiences and discuss what might be needed to promote recovery. The review discussion lasts approximately one hour and takes place as a face-to-face discussion, normally via video conference. As well as providing many of the benefits of a Personal Review, the Psychological Review provides input to both the individual and the agency about how the individual is doing and recommendations for recovery. A report is then prepared, which includes a brief summary of the discussion and recommendations for the future.

On return from an overseas assignment, we also offer a personal review as well as counselling or psychological therapy, all of which aid the process of reflecting and working through experiences out in the field.

We live in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. Our response to this, to safeguard and support our missionary workers, is to continually adapt our services to meet the needs of our clients. We react to global mission trends, one of which is currently the rise in shorter deployments, and we ensure that all clients have access to bespoke services as and when needs arise; from reviews and assessments to talking therapies.

We believe that expert help and support is paramount if a worker is not only to continue with an assignment but thrive during and after the experience. To achieve this, we treat all clients as individuals uniquely created by God, which underpins our personalised approach to mental health and wellbeing provision.

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.

“The provision of preventative, bespoke care for our workers irrespective of their location is valued very much by us and has been vital to those who have received it.” - Church mission partner, HealthLink360 client