May 2025 has been designated as mental health month for Americans. Despite progress in mental health initiatives, the facts are that many are suffering. They are the people around you, perhaps you, as well.
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
- 1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment
- 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
- In 2023, 20% of all high school students seriously considered suicide
Struggling with mental health does not make you less of a Christian or less than a person. In fact, nobody is less than a person if they have any type of mental illness. All of us have days and seasons when we are stronger and healthier than others.
Mental health is linked to the health of both the body and the spirit. Elijah was an Old Testament prophet whose mental health suffered during a particularly challenging conflict with evil Queen Jezebel. Elijah fled the country to a place all alone. He wanted to die (1 Kings 19). First God attended to Elijah’s physical needs, feeding him and giving him time to sleep. God knew his
“battery” was about dead, and he couldn’t handle much more in his current state. Elijah rested and recharged physically, then God gave him encouragement, a new purpose, and even an assistant to help him.
Jonah was another prophet who developed mental health issues. His were tied to his own bad choices. God had sent him to Nineveh to warn them of God’s coming judgment. Jonah didn’t want God to spare his enemies and was so depressed he wanted to die when God did. He had directly disobeyed the Lord’s command (Jonah 1:1–3) and God forgave him, but his heart was not in tune with God’s desires. Getting realigned with God was the only way Jonah’s depression could ever end.
In some cases, outside spiritual forces have a direct effect on mental health. King Saul suffered distress as a result of an evil spirit tormenting him (1 Samuel 16:14). He only found relief when David played the lyre for him and “the Spirit from God came on Saul” (verse 23). The man from the Gerasenes who lived naked among the tombs, constantly crying out and cutting himself is another example (Mark 5:1–5). Jesus cast the demons out of him, the spiritual battle was won, and the man’s mental health was restored.
Trusting God in mental health struggles doesn’t mean you won’t feel anxiety, fear, or sadness. It means that you choose to turn to God for comfort and strength whatever you feel. Here are some ways you can care for your mental health through a Christ-centered lens:
Anchor your mind in God’s truth. Regular Bible reading and meditation on Scripture help stabilize your mind. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, you will find comfort, guidance, and perspective there. Scriptures like Psalm 34:18, which says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” can remind you of God’s presence and care.
Make prayer and gratitude cornerstones of your life. Prayer is a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. It enables you to release your burdens to God and invite His peace. Gratitude is the healthiest human emotion, and practicing gratitude can shift your perspective from fixating on problems to recognizing the blessings. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Take advantage of Christian counseling. Sometimes, mental health struggles require professional help. That is totally okay. Counseling provides a space to process your emotions with a trained professional who understands both psychological principles and biblical truth. Many pastors and Christian therapists are well-equipped to help individuals navigate emotional challenges in solid faith.
Cultivate community. Isolation can easily worsen feelings of depression and anxiety. Our faith is designed to be lived in community. Surround yourself with fellow followers who can offer support, encouragement, and prayer. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Don’t go through mental health struggles alone.
Prioritize self-care and proper rest. God set the Sabbath as a day of rest in the beginning through His wise love for us (Exodus 20:8-10). It is important to recognize the need for physical and emotional rest. Neglecting self-care, overwork, or inadequate self-care can exacerbate mental health issues. Prioritize self-care for your body through adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, and physical activity.
Every one of these elements is essential for developing a life of mental health. Focus and grow.