Barbra Gentry-Pugh

The Danger of Silence

May 24, 2026

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV)

“Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:21-23 (NLT)

One of the saddest realities I witnessed while working in the medical profession was that many individuals did not fully understand their illness, and some families struggled to accept that ongoing treatment, support, and intervention might be necessary.

After moving to Michigan and working in administration at a unique behavioral health facility, I learned something that stayed with me: many individuals receiving treatment did not always fully recognize the seriousness of the illness and did not follow-up/follow-through with treatment recommendations to achieve and sustain a balanced and stable life until they had already been deeply affected. As I look back, I can now see why God had me there.

To be honest, I did not initially desire to work in a psychiatric or behavioral health setting. I accepted the position because it offered weekends off, except for being on call and supervising one weekend a month. Most of my previous nursing experience had been in critical care. However, because of what God was developing in me, and where He would later lead me in ministry, I needed to understand more deeply the interrelatedness of the mind, body, and spirit to gain a greater understanding of human behavior and healing.

What many families dismiss as “just a phase” may actually be the beginning of emotional or mental distress. Studies now show that many mental health conditions begin during the early teenage years, yet countless young people continue to suffer silently because the signs are missed, misunderstood, minimized, or ignored.

According to the CDC, nearly 40% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. About 1 in 5 youth experience a mental health condition each year. Research shows that 50% of lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% begins by age 24. Many young people do not receive treatment early because of stigma, lack of awareness, fear, or limited access to care.

We are living in a time when many of our youth are silently struggling. The statistics are alarming, but behind every number is a child, a family, a story, and often a silent cry for help.

Mental Health Awareness Month, observed every May since 1949, is dedicated to raising awareness, fighting stigma, and providing resources to support mental and behavioral well-being. It emphasizes that mental health is a vital component of overall health. There are also many parents silently carrying fear, confusion, exhaustion, guilt, or shame, unsure of what to do or where to turn.

“Silence may protect our comfort temporarily, but it can delay healing permanently.”

I do not believe God is simply calling us to teach about mental illness. I believe He is calling us to help people:

~ recognize

~ respond

~ support, and

~ remove the shame

associated with mental illness, in the times we are living in, that is deeply needed. This is not simply about mental illness; it is about acting promptly, well before a crisis happens.

Things Parents Often Dismiss:

♥ withdrawal

♥ anger

♥ isolation

♥ excessive sleeping

♥ emotional numbness

♥ loss of motivation

♥ sudden behavior changes

♥ hopelessness

♥ risky behavior

♥ inability to cope

♥ overwhelming anxiety

Awareness brings understanding without condemnation!

HEART ASSESSMENT: Take a moment to honestly examine your heart.

♥ Have I ignored or minimized emotional struggles in myself or someone I love?

♥ Am I more concerned about appearances than genuine healing?

♥ Have fear, shame, pride, or misunderstanding kept me from seeking help or supporting others?

♥ Do I create a safe place for others to express pain without condemnation?

♥ Am I paying attention to the emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being of those around me?

Sometimes the greatest danger is not what we see, but what we refuse to acknowledge. Healing often begins when silence is broken.

HEART CHALLENGE:

This week, ask God to help you become more aware, compassionate, and intentional.

♦ Check on someone beyond the usual “How are you?”

♦ Listen without rushing to judge or fix.

♦ Encourage someone who may be silently struggling.

♦ Pray for families carrying hidden burdens.

♦ If you are struggling yourself, take one courageous step toward support, healing, or honest conversation.

♦ Awareness brings understanding without condemnation. And compassion may become the bridge that leads someone toward hope and healing.

STANDING ORDERS: The Master Physician Orders for Emotional And Mental Well-Being!

The Bible is our prescription for life. God has given us instructions that bring wisdom, hope, stability, comfort, and healing for the spirit, soul, and body.

STANDING ORDERS FOR EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING

→ Report persistent hopelessness, fear, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, or isolation to trusted support and do not suffer in silence.

→ Guard your heart and mind through prayer, Scripture, wise counsel, and healthy relationships. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

→ Refuse shame and condemnation. Needing support does not mean weakness; it means you are human.

→ Do not ignore warning signs in yourself or others. Early recognition can prevent deeper crises.

→ Create safe spaces where honesty, healing, and restoration can take place.

→ Speak life, encouragement, and truth over yourself and others.

→ Remember that healing may involve spiritual support, emotional support, professional help, community, and ongoing care.

→ Trust that God cares about your whole being, spirit, soul, and body.

LET’S PRAY: Father God, thank You for Your authoritative, inerrant, and inspired Word that gives wisdom, guidance, comfort, and hope for every area of our lives. Thank You, Father, for caring about our whole being, spirit, soul, and body. Lord, help us not to ignore the silent struggles happening around us or within us. Give us hearts that are compassionate, discerning, and willing to listen without judgment. Remove the shame, fear, and silence that often keep people bound and suffering alone. Help parents, families, churches, and communities become places of safety, support, understanding, and healing. Teach us to recognize when someone is hurting and to respond with wisdom, love, grace, and truth. Father God, strengthen those who are weary, anxious, emotionally overwhelmed, or silently battling hopelessness. Remind them that they are seen, valued, loved, and not forgotten by You. Father, may Your peace guard our hearts and minds, and may Your healing power bring restoration to every wounded place, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.