Having Mental Health Issues Doesn’t Mean You’re a Bad Christian
In fact, owning up to your mental health issues is a sign of spiritual maturity
I’m writing about this because the stigma surrounding mental health especially in Christian communities, keeps people locked in prisons of shame, refusing to admit that they need help.
If you’re struggling and feel alone, please know that you can still be a Christian and have a mental health issues. Mental illness is far more prevalent than many realize. With one in four adults struggling with mental illness each year, there's no doubt that there are people in our churches who desperately need love and support. Unfortunately, the church hasn't always done a great job of ministering to those affected by mental illness—either their own or a loved one's illness. But it doesn't have to be that way. This Bible study explores mental illness and what the church can do to help. It also helps clear up common myths and begins to put the stigma of mental illness in the past. Psalm 139; Matthew 9:35-38; 14:13-21; John 13:33-35; 15:9-17; Romans 7:14-25. Mental illness is a reality of life, and churches are often at the front lines of mental health care. While church leaders and other Christians may not realize this, people regularly approach the church because they need help in dealing with the symptoms of mental illness—their own or someone else's. We as counsellors, Pastors, etc need to be ready to respond to people who need us, and this response starts with considering mental illness from a Christian point of view.
“Fight the good fight of faith, take hold of the eternal life to which you were called …”
1 Timothy 6:12. have heard this scripture sometimes used as motivating counsel for people struggling with depression, anxiety and other life challenges. The premise is that life is a constant "spiritual battle" and we need to stay alert and motivated so "the enemy" doesn't destroy our lives. Other times, I've heard this used to "fight" for new breakthroughs in your life. There may be some value in those thoughts, but if you are living with depression, anxiety or any other mental health stressors here are a couple of different angles to help understand what it means to "fight the good fight.
"Shining Light on Stigma
Christians must replace false beliefs and stereotypes about mental illness with truth. 1 Kings 19:3-4; Jonah 4; Matthew 23:1-4; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 13:1-5; John 9:1-3; 2 Timothy 1:3-7. One of the hallmarks of God's people should be our commitment to truth. While we may not always agree on all aspects of what is true, we can be united in our dedication to pursue truth rather than hide away in fear or sleep under a blanket of wishful thinking. The stigma attached to mental illness is based in both fear and misinformation. i hope that this article will challenge Christians to battle that stigma with a sober look at what the Bible teaches.
Spiritual Fighting Creates More Weakness and Exhaustion.
The context of this counsel (fight to keep the enemy at bay or personal breakthrough) can subtly associate depression and anxiety related stressors as a sign of defeat and loosing to "the enemy" (devil, demonic forces). Then, I have seen this lead people to wrestle with judgmental introspection, or examining from others, on why they’re losing "the fight." The questions point to, "How's your time with the Lord?" or "How's your prayer life?" or "Is there anything in your life you need to get right with God?". In the end, it's a spiritual disciplines problem and the blame is on the person not "fighting" or not doing enough of to "break off" the depression or anxiety. It implies ... "You do your part and God will do His."
Faith is not motivated by behavior, it's actually inspired by belonging.
For someone struggling with depression, anxiety, and other challenges is that this mindset (fight to keep the enemy at bay or personal breakthrough) leans more to "behavior before belonging," as opposed to a healthier view of "belonging before behavior." So, they are fighting with all their spiritual disciplines (behavior) as best they can to see a breaking off of the enemy's attack and personal breakthrough (belonging). All this because their symptoms are associated as a frail faith and losing to the "attack of the enemy." The problem comes when the depression, anxiety or other symptoms don't go away in days, weeks, or even after a month. The questions are now, "I'm doing everything I can ... Where is God ... Why is God silent ... Why is He not helping me?". It triggers more depression and anxiety. Exhaustion sets in. Then, they want to give up on God.
The right action starts with the right attitude.
Endure the hardship and fight the good fight by ACCEPTING how depression, anxiety, or any other mental health challenges affect you. Accepting it doesn't mean spiritual failure or that depression/anxiety or other disorders are your identity (failing faith), it means that it is a condition affecting you. You need ways to rest, healthy tools, and time to improve. Christ is in you and He is not distant from you in this journey. His satisfied love is in you, with you, for you, and a constant grace to energize your every step. You are enough...and that's what it means to lack nothing in Christ!
God Can Redeem Mental Illness
We have more than one reason for hope, even when life seems hopeless.
2 Corinthians 1:3-7; 4:13-18; Ephesians 2:1-10; James 1:2-4
When it comes to a topic like mental illness, it's easy to focus on pain and struggle and to lose sight of the good work God can do in any circumstance. Believing in God's redemption sometimes requires tremendous trust in the midst of overwhelming pain. But we don't trust for no reason—we can see examples of God's redemption all around us if we're paying attention. I hope this article has helped you consider how God redeems mental illness. Mental illness is so common, it affects nearly everyone. Henceforth we should be responding to suffering of all kinds is part of the work we are called to do. We're people called to spread love and hope, we must step out and offer what only the people of God can offer, and that is hope. i leave you with this scripture,“Fight the good fight of faith, take hold of the eternal life to which you were called …”
1 Timothy 6:12.
Shalom.
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