Today mental disorders affect one in five adults, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. About 5 percent of adults, or one in twenty, experience serious mental illness. In the US alone, 40 million adults suffer from some form of anxiety; among those, nearly half have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder. Mental health conditions are more prevalent among women compared to men, and 17 percent of youth aged six to seventeen have a mental health disorder.
Today mental disorders affect one in five adults, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. About 5 percent of adults, or one in twenty, experience serious mental illness. In the US alone, 40 million adults suffer from some form of anxiety; among those, nearly half have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder. Mental health conditions are more prevalent among women compared to men, and 17 percent of youth aged six to seventeen have a mental health disorder.
Mental health challenges impact those who are suffering, but also their family members and friends. They can influence an individual’s ability to relate to and function in society, making it difficult to focus in school, hold down a job, or make friends. In many instances, mental health conditions can lead to disappointment as individual dreams and visions are shattered. Family members acting as caregivers may expend significant energy and financial resources. At least 8.4 million Americans provide care to adults with mental disorders, spending an average of 32 hours per week providing unpaid care.
In some communities, those with mental health conditions may be isolated and ostracized due to widely believed myths and stigmas. For instance, in many Asian cultures, parents may refuse to believe their children have mental disorders and do not permit them to receive treatment. This dismissal of mental health needs is also prevalent in Latino and African American communities. But the mental health struggles are still there: 14 percent of Asians, 17 percent of Blacks, 18 percent of Latino individuals, 32 percent of multiracial adults, and 44 percent of LGBTQ individuals experience mental disorders.
Contrary to the common teaching that “good” Christians should not struggle with “bad” mental health, followers of Jesus experience mental health challenges as much as the general population. We even see this in Scripture. For instance, Job says, “I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest; but trouble comes” (3:26). This provides a glimpse into Job’s mental and emotional suffering. David, who wrote some of the most wrenching laments in the Bible, at one point cries out to God, “Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens” (Psa. 143:6, NLT). And the prophet Elijah, as he runs for his life from Queen Jezebel, laments, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4). These are only a few of the many people in the Bible who experience mental health struggles in their journey with God. Contrary to the common teaching that “good” Christians should not struggle with “bad” mental health, followers of Jesus experience mental health challenges as much as the general population.
In more recent times, mental health issues have continued to affect prominent leaders of the church. For instance, Martin Luther suffered from depression during his time as a monk. Nineteenth-century theologian Charles Spurgeon also suffered from depression, which he said he would not wish on anyone. Christian apologist J.P. Moreland tells of his battle with debilitating anxiety, including panic attacks, in his book Finding Quiet: My Story of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought Peace.
Although there are countless instances of God’s people struggling with mental health, churches often view mental health very differently from physical health. There is still a pervasive belief among Christians that mental health conditions are spiritual conditions that require only spiritual solutions. Some see mental disorders as a sign of spiritual weakness or lack of faith. Some think such conditions result from the sins of individuals or that of their parents, ideas that existed even in biblical times (Ex. 34:7, Num. 14:18, Deut. 5:9).
Such views of mental health have been around since ancient times, but they don’t take into account the many scientific discoveries made in the past century of how our minds work. We know now that all mental health conditions are medical conditions, and they require care and treatment just as physical ailments do. In addition to spiritual support, other approaches that have been shown to effectively relieve the symptoms of mental health disorders for most include therapy and medication. Our brains are as much a part of our physical bodies as our hearts, lungs, and livers. We need to honor the needs of our minds and mental health as much as the needs of our bodies and physical health.
When Christians and churches fail to understand these realities and instead mischaracterize mental health disorders as spiritual failures, this leads to unwarranted judgment and shame directed toward innocent individuals. This can cause isolation from others in the church. In such environments, some may not disclose their suffering and choose instead to live in quiet desperation.
At a mental health conference I attended in 2018, Chamique Holdsclaw, an all-star player of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) who is bipolar, discussed the stigma and shame she experienced at her church. After she disclosed her condition, some church members would physically distance themselves from her during worship service, as if she were contagious. Others blamed her or judged her for her illness.
Given how common mental health issues are among people, including Christians, we may wonder why a loving God would allow such suffering. The prophet Jeremiah expresses this sense of confusion and rejection: “But why, why this chronic pain, this ever worsening wound and no healing in sight? You’re nothing, God, but a mirage, a lovely oasis in the distance—and then nothing!” (Jer. 15:18, MSG) Such anger and frustration at God may cause those with mental health struggles and their family members and friends to leave the church.
Amidst the pain and suffering, God does understand. Toward the end of the book of Jonah, the prophet declares, “And now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” God does not condemn Jonah or become angry with him. Instead, the Lord engages Jonah, gently asking, “Is it right for you to be angry?” (4:3-4) After all that had happened, God could have given up on Jonah. But he continues to be patient. He understands Jonah’s frustration and doubts. Instead of looking to blame, judge, or shame those who are struggling, we should look for the image of God, and evidence of his work, in that individual.
In the gospel of John, Jesus encounters a man blind from birth. His disciples ask, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answers, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him” (John 9:1-3).
Here, Jesus affirms that our illnesses and limitations are not a punishment for our sins or that of our parents. Having emotional disorders or other mental health challenges is not anyone’s fault. Instead, it is so that we may be witnesses for God’s goodness. The Lord’s unconditional love and wise purposes are not diminished for those with mental health challenges. Instead of looking to blame, judge, or shame those who are struggling, we should look for the image of God, and evidence of his work, in that individual.
This is not a promise that God will heal our mental health struggles. We may never be healed. But God does extraordinary things in and through those who are wounded. Even without healing, you may be doing transformational work for God. You may be given insights that are particularly attuned to the limitations and struggles of others. You may become an embodied example of God’s grace and compassion in your communities.
Here is the Lord’s response to Jeremiah after the prophet laments his pain and questions God: “Take back those words, and I'll take you back. Then you'll stand tall before me. Use words truly and well. Don't stoop to cheap whining. Then, but only then, you'll speak for me. Let your words change them. Don't change your words to suit them. I'll turn you into a steel wall, a thick steel wall, impregnable” (Jer. 15:19-20, MSG).
Speak the truth, God says, and do not be afraid to share your story and testimony exactly as you are. You will see God working in your challenges. Others who suffer from similar issues may feel empowered to start sharing as well. You may help create a safe space for honest vulnerability and requests for help. Your openness and courage can lead to a groundswell that exposes needs in churches that others can no longer ignore.
Singer Demi Lovato has been public about her significant struggles with depression. But she has seen how God is working through her depression. "God gave me a voice, not just to sing with. He put me through those things, which seemed horrible at the time, but they were so worth it. With the obstacles I've overcome, I can help people," she explains.
While medication, therapy, diet, and other forms of treatment are essential for those with mental health disorders to live in more healthy, balanced ways, there is also an important role for the church in addressing mental health. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recommends a holistic approach that promotes emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social wellness. Churches and faith communities can support many of these areas. According to Dr. Harold G. Koenig, director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke University Medical Center, multiple studies have shown that “people who are more involved in religious practices and who are more religiously committed seem to cope better with stress.” Some of the benefits of being connected to faith and a faith community include a sense of meaning and purpose, a lens through which to interpret hardship, grounding practices, and support and encouragement from others. While medication, therapy, diet, and other forms of treatment are essential for those with mental health disorders to live in more healthy, balanced ways, there is also an important role for the church in addressing mental health.
This is the potential that most of our churches have not yet lived up to because we have chosen instead to judge, blame, or hold onto false beliefs about mental health. But churches should be safe and welcoming spaces for people who struggle with their mental health. Churches should be a place where Christians sincerely and consistently advocate for one another in our suffering. Churches should be communities where the truth and wisdom earned by those who struggle with mental health can be shared, and where compassion and grace can overflow.
Our faith communities need individuals who know what it is to wrestle with mental health. We need their voices and their leadership. Our communities benefit greatly when we honor the wisdom and discipleship they have gained from their lived experiences. And our God, who understands our suffering and extends unending love and grace, will be honored and worshipped through our solidarity with one another.