Over the last few years, the mental health conversation has become more prominent across the country. In general, society is starting to acknowledge the importance of mental wellness. Stigmas and stereotypes are starting to fall away, and people are generally more willing to prioritize their mental well-being.
But, that doesn’t mean all stigmas have been dropped.
As a Christian, you might feel conflicted about your mental health and what to do if you’re struggling. You might have grown up with the idea that mental health struggles signify some kind of spiritual weakness or a lack of faith.
These ideas simply aren’t true, and they’re not even Biblical. In fact, some of the most prominent figures in the Bible experienced mental health challenges. All you have to do is open the Psalms to read about the range of heavy emotions King David went through, and that’s just one example.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can navigate the stigma of mental health and get the support you deserve as a Christ-follower.
Dive Into the Word
First and foremost, you can fight back against the stigma in any community by looking to the Word itself. Again, you can read the Psalms to see David’s rollercoaster of emotions. From joy and elation to the depths of despair, it’s easy to see that there were times David struggled with anxiety and depression.
There are many stories in the Bible of people filled with worry and hesitation. Martha, Jonah, Moses, and even Jesus dealt with uncertainty and fear. If you’re feeling anxious, helpless, or even hopeless, it’s important to know that you’re not alone today, and the scriptures can remind you that these feelings have been around for centuries.
In addition to helping you realize you’re not alone in your struggles, you can also find comfort in the Bible. The words “fear not” are used hundreds of times. However, dealing with fear doesn’t mean you’re a “bad” Christian or that your faith is weak. It means that when you’re anxious or even depressed, you can lean into God’s promises knowing He always keeps His word.
Foster Open Conversations
Don’t be afraid to speak up about mental health within your church community. It can be a little intimidating, at first. But, there’s a good chance there are others in your congregation dealing with similar feelings.
They might be worried about opening up, too. All it takes is one person to get that conversation going, and walls can start to come down. You might be encouraged to start a small group. Or, you might inspire people you know and love to start prioritizing their mental health.
Reach Out for Help
It’s important to have someone to talk to when you’re dealing with mental health issues. Leaders in the church, including a pastor or counselor, can make a big difference in reassuring you that your mental health is a priority.
You can also seek out a mental health professional who is a believer and who works regularly with Christ-followers. Yes, there are Christian therapists! God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but we live in a fallen, sinful world. Working with a mental health professional who loves Jesus and still recognizes the issues people face every day can help you see that your faith can be strong even when you’re struggling.
If you’ve been concerned about your mental well-being for a while, don’t hesitate to take a small step forward. Scripture tells us their is wisdom in seeking counsel. If you are looking for a therapist with similar values and beliefs consider reaching out to Crossroads. We offer in person counseling sessions at our offices serving Phoenix, Anthem, and Scottsdale. Christian counseling is available online to anyone living in Arizona. You can start by following these simple steps:
- Contact Crossroads Counseling
- Meet with a Christian therapist
- Begin the healing process
Call us at 623-680-3486, text 623-688-5115, or email info@crossroadsfcc.com. We offer a 20 minute complementary phone consultation for you to find the best therapist for you.
