A lot is going on in the world we’re living in today. You’re bombarded with news, social media, and tasks you need to accomplish everywhere you turn. It’s hard to get a moment’s rest or even to find some peace.
These things may make you feel a bit anxious, stressed, or otherwise off-kilter. However, what you need to understand is that you aren’t alone in feeling this way. God desires for us to have His peace (For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. – Jeremiah 29:11). To have this peace, we need to abide by some essential Christian mental health tips.
What You Need to Know About Christian Mental Health
Did you know that approximately 1 in 25 Americans (9.8 million people; 4% of the population) experience a serious mental health issue each year? This issue significantly interferes or limits at least one of the major activities in their lives.
Did you know that another 18.1% of American adults live with either an anxiety disorder (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder ) or a phobia?
Now that we can see that this is an issue that we can’t afford to overlook, it’s time to take a moment to see what we can do about it.
Understand that You Aren’t Alone
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? – Matthew 27:46
We’re not alone in our suffering. It’s important to realize that even Christ suffered on the cross. This suffering has been experienced ever since the fall of humankind. So, while you may feel like you’re the only one in your congregation who needs to hear these Christian mental health tips, it’s simply not true.
Realize that it Isn’t Your Fault
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. – James 4:8
This promise isn’t only for our good days. It’s for our bad days too. As we allow it to shine a light into our souls, it’s essential to realize that mental health issues aren’t a punishment for sin. Instead, they’re a way in which to live as a testimony to others.
Know that God Sees You and is with You
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. – Romans 8:26-27
Our Savior experienced the same emotions we experience today. It’s why He sent us the Holy Spirit to intercede for us when we can’t do so ourselves. Christ also knows how He will use this season of your life as a testimony for Him. So, at the heart of this Christian mental health tip lies the fact that we have a great reason (a.k.a., hope) to remain steadfast.
Allow God’s Word to Speak to You
Although God’s Word doesn’t come right out and talk about Christian mental health tips, there’s a lot said about it nonetheless. Take a moment to meditate on these Scriptures:
- Loneliness: Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. – Psalm 25:16
- Depression: Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. – Psalm 42:5
Some even believe that Paul was afflicted:
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. – 2 Corinthians 12:7
Helping Those Who Are Struggling with Their Mental Health
These Christian mental health tips are something we should live by, but we also need to help those around us who may be suffering. Know that even if you don’t know what to say, simply being beside someone who’s dealing with a mental health issue is enough. Don’t take their silence or lack of interest in you personally. Instead, offer to pray for or with them.
It’s time to remove the shame and stigma that’s frequently associated with mental health. We need to show Christ’s compassion to everyone, especially those who are struggling. In doing so, we bring honor and glory to God.
