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Does faith prevent mental health issues? As Christians, we know and believe that our God can heal us. We know that we can call upon His name in every situation and He will be there. We also know that being Christian does not make us immune to physical health issues. We have accepted that just like unbelievers, we too are prone to get ill sometimes. We too can end up battling the cold, diabetes or cancer. Why then, are so many Christians still under the impression that we are immune to mental health issues?
Facts about Mental Illness
Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and suicide are all very real illnesses, they don’t always manifest physically for everyone to see but that does not make them any less real. Mental health issues are as real and as treatable as physical health issues, and as Christians, we should never downplay this fact.
Mental Illness and Faith
Most people who suffer from mental health issues choose to hide it from their Christian friends because they don’t need to hear again that what they’re going through is a result of sin or that their suffering is a sign of spiritual warfare. The advice from Christians has become so predictable that these people who are suffering prefer to act like they aren’t yet the fact is, it’s entirely possible to believe that God has the power to change things, that He has the power to make things right and still have thoughts of suicide. This is because mental illness just like any other illness is beyond our control.
What Does the Bible Say about Mental Illness?
Think about it, would you tell a cancer patient that their sickness is a result of not spending time with God, that all they should do is pray and read their Bible and everything will be okay? No, right? In the same way, you shouldn’t tell someone suffering from mental health issues that either. Spending time in the presence of God does not make them immune to mental health issues at all, yes it plays a huge part in the healing process, yes it will give them a peace that surpasses all human understanding but it still won’t make them immune to it. If a friend decides to open up to you about their suffering, please don’t downplay it, don’t judge them, let them know that they are loved and that help is available. What they’re going through is a medical condition and it can be treated.
Christians and Mental Health Statistics
Need more proof that mental health issues are not caused by spiritual warfare, sin, or a lack of faith? Google “Christians who have committed suicide” you will find stories of great men and women of faith who took their own lives after suffering from mental illnesses. Jarrid Wilson, Andrew Stoecklein and Matthew Warren are examples of this, these men who spent a chunk of their lives giving hope and encouragement to others took their own lives, not because they didn’t believe that God could work miracles but because they suffered from very real illnesses.
How Should Christians Respond to Mental Illness?
The truth is, the burden of having a mental illness is a heavy one to bear and as Christians, we should learn to ease that weight for our brothers and sisters. We should play a part in removing the stigma around mental health issues so that they can freely ask for help. We should be the light that helps illuminate the darkness they’re in, instead of trying to make it darker by giving them a sense of guilt for feeling the way they feel. I’d like to encourage you today to do the right thing regarding mental health issues, it’s time to be open, to be loving, to be supportive, and to stop shaming people who suffer in ways that are deeper than words can say.
If you or someone you love is suffering from mental illness and need professional help, please search our directory for a Christian Mental Health Provider.
In order to help normalize seeking help among Christians, we have develop a line of merchandise. You can check out the t-shirts below but each design also comes in hoodies, sweatshirts, tank-tops, phone cases, and more.
Have You Tried Jesus And A Therapist Graphic Design T-Shirt
Prayer plus Therapy equal Healing Graphic Design T-ShirtAll I Need Is Jesus and Therapy Funny Design T-ShirtGod Created Therapists It's Ok To See One Graphic T-ShirtY'all Need Jesus & A Therapist Gift For Christian Counselors T-ShirtPrayer + Therapy = Healing Graphic Design #Bibleastherapy T-Shirt
About the Author:
Corine Williams, Ph.D. is Clinical Psychologist that is currently seeing clients in the States of Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. You can find out more about her practice by visiting www.therapyforchristians.com/corinewilliams. In addition to providing individual therapy, Dr. Williams is also passionate about writing books and designing merch that educate, uplift, and normalize mental health subjects in the Christian community. You can find out more about her at www.booksbycorine.com or by visiting her amazon profile here: https://www.amazon.com/Corine-Hyman/e/B00AWZ5FL2
Help us increase mental health awareness in the Christian community by donating through our paypal link here: www.paypal.com/therapyforchristians, joining our mailing list by clicking below, or join our provider list here: Provider listing
Disclaimer: the information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are looking for a Christian counselor near you, please check out our directory located here: Christians Therapist Near Me
