The lack of a robust and compassionate theology about mental health impacts us all in some way. One out of five adults has a mental health disorder. Nearly one-third of Americans will have an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, and about 15 percent will struggle with depression. Even if you do not experience mental health challenges, someone close to you will. Within communities of color, this lack of faith-based support can be an added burden to the cultural and societal barriers that prevent us from openly discussing our mental health or finding the professional care we need.
Every individual’s journey of mental health is unique. We cannot speak to everyone’s experience here; nor do we want to provide medical or psychological advice. Our hope is to present a framework of faith and Christian community that wholly integrates mental health into our identity, discipleship, spiritual practices, service, and calling. We want to fully live out Jesus’ exhortation to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind (Luke 10:27).
The inner workings of the human mind, while astonishingly complex, are no longer the black box they once were. We understand now that mental health challenges are primarily genetic, biological, or trauma responses; we see that our minds require care and treatment, just as our bodies do; we know that those of us with mental health disorders are whole, beloved individuals with tremendous gifts in wisdom, empathy, and more.
Jesus suffers alongside, embraces, and loves us no matter how strong or vulnerable our mental health is. Our call as his followers is to do the same for one another.
If you are in the US, and you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, we encourage you to make use of these excellent resources, which are available 24/7:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ (online chat)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 1-800-662-4357 (treatment referral and information)
National Youth Crisis Hotline 1-800-448-4663 (for interventions for sexual abuse, child abuse, depression, and suicidal thoughts)In Pax,