Many Christians today struggle with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. If you are going through this, know that you are not alone. Your mental health struggles do not make you a bad Christian — He still loves you very much, and you are still very important to Him! Saying that mental health issues equate to a lack of faith is just not true. Many Christians think that if they are struggling with mental health issues, they are not strong in their faith. But that’s not true at all! The Bible has verses like “Do not be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6) or “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
These verses are meant to remind people to trust God. Still, sometimes, people misunderstand them as implying that anxiety or depression are signs of weak faith. Sometimes, this misunderstanding can make you think something is wrong with you, and you might feel like you cannot talk to anyone about it. You might even start thinking, “If I believed in God, I probably would not feel this way.” Again, none of that is true! Your mental health struggles say nothing about your spiritual life. They are a part of being human, and Christians go through it too. Even Jesus felt sorrowful and troubled in the Garden of Gethsemane ( M a t t h e w 26:36-46). The Bible talks about fears and a n x i e t i e s — but not to make us feel ashamed. Instead, it reminds us that we can ask God for help when we are struggling. The Bible helps us understand how to deal with these feelings and does not blame us for having them. Why you should ask for help If you are struggling with your mental health, it is okay to ask for help. There are many resources out there — think doctors, counselors, supportive communities, etc. — that can help. You don’t have to carry your burden alone. Getting counseling, therapy, or even taking medication can be part of God’s way of looking out for you. Just like you would go to the doctor for a cold, it is okay to get professional help for your mental health, too. Don’t forget that God can work through people to help you heal and find hope.
Faith and mental health can coexist. It is good to keep in mind that dealing with mental health issues does not stop you from growing in your faith. In fact, many Christians feel closer to God when they are going through hard times. Difficulties often make us reach out to God more sincerely, looking for His presence and guidance in ways we might not when things are easy. For example, when you are going through a rough patch in your life, you might start to see prayer or the Bible in a new light. You could also realize how great having a supportive Christian community around you is. Remember that your bond with God is not about knowing everything or having all the answers but about trusting Him, even when things are tough.
