Mental Health and Spirituality: Understanding and Managing Our Minds as Christians
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. ”
As Christians, when we have an injury or illness in our bodies, we don’t hesitate to seek help. When it comes to the health of our minds, though, we sometimes disregard the need for help and we either deny the problem altogether or try to resolve it on our own. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult to get well.
Rather than turning a blind eye and neglecting this important aspect of our lives — or minds — we believers can take action to support ourselves and others when it comes to mental illness. Let’s thoughtfully consider the roles of medical intervention, spiritual guidance, and divine healing for our mental health.
Mental Health in the United States Today
There’s no doubt about it — our nation faces a mental health crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States:
More than 20% of adults live with a mental illness.
More than 20% of teens either currently or at some point in their life, have had a debilitating mental illness.
Roughly 4% of adults live with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
The truth is that believers aren’t immune to mental health issues. In fact, the Christian polling firm, Barna Group, reported in 2019 that 1 in 3 Christians say anxiety or depression impacts their most important relationships.
So, what can we do as Christ’s church to address the issue of mental illness both among believers and in the world today?
The Importance of Seeking Help
Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of people facing mental and emotional struggles. And seeking help is shown as a sign of strength rather than weakness. Sometimes it’s hard for us to admit that we need help, but seeking aid for our mental health is both appropriate and necessary. In fact, scripture stresses the importance of caring for our well-being, including our mental health. Consider passages like this one in Proverbs:
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. ”
Ultimately, scripture acknowledges the complexity of mental health while encouraging us to do what we can to promote healing, restoration, and overall well-being. Seeking help aligns with the biblical principles of stewardship of the body, honoring God with our minds, and loving others as ourselves.
The Role of Medical Intervention
David K. Bernard, General Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International, said in the Apostolic Life Podcast that seeking treatment to address mental illness can be a practical step towards healing. He illustrated this with the example of a brain tumor causing a mental illness, where surgical intervention can lead to healing.
Bernard also discussed that certain mental illnesses may involve chemical imbalances, and medication can restore balance and normal function in those instances.
Mental health issues can stem from a few different causes, including life circumstances, trauma, and chemical composition. We would certainly seek medical intervention for a heart problem, whether it was brought on by lifestyle or genetics, so we shouldn’t shy away from seeking treatment for our mental health from qualified professionals.
Spiritual Guidance and Divine Healing
“For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind. ”
There is a spiritual component to addressing mental illness, and it’s crucial for healing. It can also be complemented by medical intervention. Prayer and spiritual guidance have a profound effect throughout the healing process, and all healing ultimately comes from God.
Collaboration between medical professionals, biblically based counselors, and pastors is key when addressing the complex needs of those struggling with mental illness. This approach ensures that both physical and spiritual dimensions are addressed in our healing.
The Importance of Helping Others
Scripture encourages us to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2), and this certainly includes giving our support and assistance to those struggling with mental health issues. This means that the issue of mental health within our community of believers cannot be overlooked or marginalized.
Mental illness affects a significant portion of the population, including believers, and it’s important that we have an approach that encompasses faith, reason, and compassion. With this approach, we can better support those struggling with mental illness, fostering healing, hope, and wholeness within our communities.
As we journey together, let’s extend grace, understanding, and unwavering support to those in need, embodying the love and compassion of Christ in all aspects of mental health care.