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Good Morning . One of my favourite reggae groups, Toots and the Maytals, released the song ‘Time Tough’, 45 years ago today. This song spoke about the various pressures facing Jamaicans in the early 1970s such as high unemployment, the rising cost of living and the lack of affordable housing.

Although many of the socioeconomic woes mentioned in this song are still prevalent in all societies, a range of contemporary factors have made modern-day life increasingly complex and pressurised, leaving the more vulnerable struggling to cope. One such susceptible group are young people, for whom issues of gender, identity, peer pressure, cyber bullying and academic expectations – to name a few - are affecting their wellbeing. NHS figures published in January 2018, revealed that almost 400,000 UK children and young people are in contact with the health service for mental health problems.

That is why many welcome World Mental Health Day which is also marked today, and is an opportunity to bring some much-needed attention to mental illness and its major effects on peoples' lives worldwide. This year, the focus is on young people and what they need, in order to grow up healthy, happy and resilient.

The Bible, which has much to say about peace, wholeness and healing, has sometimes been used by theologians in ways that have been detrimental to those experiencing mental health issues. However, in Matthew 11:28 Jesus says, ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest…’, which emphasises the Lord’s caring, compassionate outlook to those overwhelmed by the cares of life and illness.Ìý

Lord, on this day may we be a listening ear, a reassuring voice and a welcoming presence to those who are experiencing mental health issues.

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