Adventist Health oversees mental health training in Viet Nam

Adventist Health Leaders in the Southeastern Union (SEUM) area met in Vung Tau, Vietnam, south of Ho Chi Minh, from November 14 to 16 to conduct their regional Mental Health Training. This was following a three-day summit in Silang, Cavite. Dr. Torben Bergland attended this inaugural SEUM and Vietnam meeting on mental health. To be prepared to cope with mental health crises and figure out how to bring Christ's healing and hope to individuals who are experiencing this upset, several attendees from various church departments attended the meeting.

The program centered on an in-depth exploration of trauma, depression, anxiety, and how God's Word and mental health can work together to share hope and healing effectively. The addition of physical activities to the training regimen was an interesting improvement. Delegates were encouraged by the organizers to participate in walking exercises while experiencing the local environment. Delegates can comprehend the significance of the process and how essential each discussion was in bringing healing to those dealing with mental health issues thanks to the holistic approach and practical implementation of mental health development proposals.

The ReMindEd Mental Health Program has been developed as part of the General Conference's response to the growing global concern about mental health. These initiative aims to assist people of all ages who are struggling with this issue worldwide. 

The ReMindEd program is a comprehensive, holistic, evidence-based mental health resource that is currently being developed for the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church. From a whole-person perspective, ReMindEd will support and enhance mental health while benefiting physical, relational, and spiritual health. In addition to serving people with mental illness, ReMindEd will also be valuable for anyone wanting to improve their mental well-being or support those with mental illness. Please click here for more information.

Bergland introduced the ReMindEd program throughout the training. This curriculum aims not only to enlighten but also to empower and instruct. This approach is founded, in Bergland's words, on "evidence and statistical data." This aids the program's designers in developing tools and materials that include spirituality in treating mental health problems. The ReMindEd Program is set to be launched and is intended to be available online early next year. 

Bergland stressed the significance of the church's role in assisting those who were in distress during his address. Pastors, young people, women, teachers, and health professionals are expected to discuss mental health, serve as sources of knowledge and inspiration, and actively promote mental health development on social media as the church equips its members.

“The consequence of mental health issues may be prolonged suffering, maybe even deterioration, as opposed to optimizing management and recovery, and with that quality of life and functioning. God created humans as whole beings; therefore, we should care about the whole, not just some parts,” Dr. Bergland said.

According to data from the mental health division of Bach Mai Hospital, 30% of Vietnamese people have had at least one mental disorder in their lives, and 50% of those disorders require medical attention. Every year, 40,000 people commit suicide due to depression, roughly half the number of cancer fatalities. Click here for reference. 

Delegates of the training recognize this training as an approach that will enable the church to connect and help the community attend to this growing global challenge. Organizers look forward to another intensive training on this issue in 2023 involving more delegates from within the Southeastern Asia territory.

Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department