Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, I thought I would share the following article:
In some Christian communities, there can be a stigma around having a mental illness or struggling with mental health issues.(See disclaimer1) Unfortunately, this can make it even more difficult for Christians facing mental illness to seek the help and resources they need. It is important that as believers we understand the facts about mental health and do not disregard the prevalence of mental illness.
Yes, Christians do experience mental illness. Christian faith and mental health struggles can both be present for believers. Just as a Christian may face a physical illness or injury, so they may also face a mental one. After Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis and the Fall, hardship, pain and struggle has been a part of the world for both believers and non-believers alike.
Experiencing a mental illness does not mean that someone is spiritually immature or that they are living a punishment for their actions or that they do not pray enough. Even in the Bible, we can see the struggle with mental health issues. For example, many people believe that the prophet Elijah may have battled with depression in 1 Kings 19:4-14. There are also other figures who are believed to have suffered from mental illness, including David and Jonah.
A recent Lifeway Research study found that 26% of U.S. protestant pastors struggle with a mental illness personally. Even faith leaders are not immune from mental health problems. This helps show that mental illness is not a reflection of the person or their actions. Rather, just a reminder of the state of the imperfect world we live in.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. — Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
Whether you’ve struggled with mental illness for a long time, or you have recently seen a decline in your mental health, there is hope. Here are some encouraging reminders for Christians struggling with mental illness:
- You Are Loved
We love because he first loved us. — 1 John 4:19 NIV
You are loved, in the midst of the good times and the bad times. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” (Romans 5:8). God is love and his love is not conditional. He created us and values us.
God also puts people in our lives who love us. He called us as believers to love one another and care about one another. However, no earthly love could ever compare to the love he has for us and we can cling to that in the midst of our struggles.
- You Are Not Alone
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. — Matthew 28:20 NIV
When we become Christians, we are adopted into his family. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, ” (John 1:12). We have brothers and sisters in Christ who also are going through similar experiences. It is important to remember even in the hardest times, we are never alone and there are many other people who are also learning how to live with their mental health situations.
“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother,” (Proverbs 18:24). Even when we are at our loneliest and feel we have hit rock bottom emotionally, God has not abandoned us.
He is with us each and every day. Mental illness can make us feel lonely and isolated. However, even when our emotions are strong and the loneliness feels at its worst, we are not alone. - You Are Not a “Bad Christian”
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. — Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
There are a lot of stigmas surrounding Christianity and mental health and sometimes it can lead to Christians feeling like they are not good enough or are failing due to a mental illness. However, having a mental illness is not a sin and in no way means you are weak. Facing a mental illness takes strength and courage each day.
It is also important to remember that nothing we do saves us, whether we have a mental illness or not. It is God’s grace and gift of salvation for us that we can truly have confidence in. - There Is Hope and Help
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. — Romans 12:12 NIV
If you are struggling with a mental illness, remember there is hope and help. There are mental health professionals who are equipped with tools to help reduce the symptoms of mental illness as well as help connect you with resources that can benefit you.
Although not all churches have mental health resources, some do offer Christian counseling opportunities as well as other outreach ministry for those recovering from mental health struggles.
Ultimately, our hope comes from God and his promises. He is the one with power and authority in our lives. However, we should take advantage of the knowledgeable people he has put in our lives.
- Avoid stigmatizing and stereotyping: For those struggling with mental illness, there is enough pain and fear without the worry of being judged or stereotyped for their mental illness. Avoid using phrases or making comments that could make someone feel isolated or ostracized.
- Don’t offer false “cures” or “solutions” to pain: It may be tempting to tell someone with a mental illness to “pray more” or “just trust God” when they are explaining their struggles. This is not helpful and can make the person feel worse. Mental illness is not just a matter of praying more.
- Listen and understand it’s hard: Be willing to listen to those struggling with mental illness. They have unique insights and have firsthand experience dealing with the effects of mental illness. Show empathy for those who have a mental illness and understand that their mental health journey is not easy.
- Pray: No matter what someone is going through, whether it be life changes, a physical sickness or injury or mental health struggles, prayer is a power tool. Prayer should not be viewed as a magic cure to mental health issues, but it is a way to bring it to God and hand it over to him.
- Show genuine love and care: Showing love for those with mental illness can mean a lot. Even simple actions that show you care can go a long way to someone who is struggling.
- Check in and offer support: If you have the time to listen, send a text or schedule a meet up just to spend time with the person. Time is valuable but showing up and being there is an encouraging example of love.
- Encourage professional help: Encourage those with mental illness to seek professional help. Sometimes taking the first step to getting help can be daunting, so encouragement and support during the process is valuable. Being there for them after they begin seeking treatment is a way to show you care for their well-being and value them.
Christianity offers the ultimate hope of redemption and restoration. The message of the Gospel emphasizes God's love, grace, and the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice. It assures believers that they are valued, accepted, and forgiven, regardless of their past or their struggles. The hope of eternal life in the presence of God brings comfort and reassurance, reminding individuals that their suffering is temporary and that a future of wholeness and joy awaits them.
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