Christians sometimes have a difficult time acknowledging mental illness. While they’ve got no issues accepting physical illness, there’s a stigma against mental health in the church. Since the Fall of Adam and Eve, humanity has lived in a broken world. From that world arises depression, anxiety, and all the consequences of our original sin. Christians are just as likely to be depressed as they are to catch the flu; both are a result of a fallen world.
Is depression because we aren’t strong in our faith? Isn’t the joy of the Lord supposed to be our refuge? Quite the contrary, the Bible is full of challenges of the mind. Paul spoke of struggling with “fightings within”, the Psalms speak of sorrows, anger, and fear; even Jesus was overwhelmed with sadness. The conflicts of the mind have troubled Christians for hundreds of years.
Despite depression and mental illness, Christians have two tools in their arsenal against the struggles of mental illness. The first is the church. Christians are blessed to have a community that is unshakable by the world. The church is a refuge in times of tribulation. From sadness to depression, to anxiety, Christians should be able to lean on their church for a welcoming and safe environment.
The second advantage Christians have over mental illness is the power of prayer. When we pray, we come before the One who was broken for us. God’s grace allows us to have a personal relationship with him. A side effect of depression and mental illness is the feeling of loneliness; Christians can take comfort in realizing that we aren’t alone. Christ experienced the same things we are experiencing!
NuWell Christian Counseling offers a place for Christians to get the help they need and take comfort in God’s grace through counseling methods based on Scripture. It’s okay to feel lost, but NuWell Christian Counseling can help you find your way with Jesus.