Mental Health Through the Lens of a Christian
If you’re sick, you go to the doctor. If you need medicine, you get a prescription. If you’re struggling in a school subject, you get a tutor. Do you get the idea? You have a problem, you seek support for the solution. This is true in nearly every area of our lives except for when it comes to mental health. Interestingly enough, mental health is HEALTH, and it’s often left unattended to. **The Mental Wellness Center is known as an inclusive practice that provides quality, ethical, and lasting change for our clients. As a result, is it important for us to reflect on the experiences of all people and be open and prepared to address their needs in the ways that work best for them**
Historically, mental health has been a taboo subject among society and the church. Thankfully, over time the stigma around mental health has decreased. However, some still have not sought help they desperately need out of fear, shame, or embarrassment. Needing or simply desiring mental health therapy/support does not make you any less of a person or a Christian. It does not mean that you have failed or that you are weak. It does not mean that you do not have faith or that you do not pray enough.
The Holy Bible tells us that God is our Counselor, our Prince of Peace, our Strong Tower, our comfort, our provider, and the list goes on and on. He is more than enough. However, God has also provided us with some incredible resources here on earth. He has equipped various professionals with the ability to support those of us that are in need. This includes those who have mental health needs.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that 1 in 5 adults have a mental illness. 1 in 5 people has symptoms severe enough to diagnose. That statistic does not say that the other 4 are absent from mental health struggles. Everyone has had a stressful day, has experienced loss, or has experienced the trials of life. Yet, there are some who never seek mental health support for their struggles.
It’s important to normalize therapy, just like we normalize going to the doctor when we are sick. Therapy can help equip you with the necessary tools to address your mental health needs. Therapy can be a place where you establish a trusting relationship, and learn about your brain and how to care for it.
2 Timothy 1:7 King James Version
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
It’s God’s desire for us to have peace and to have a calm mind.
2 Corinthians 10:5 King James Version
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
His intention is for us to challenge our negative, irrational, self-destructing thoughts with the truth of His Word. It can be helpful to have a supportive person assist you in identifying these thoughts and reflect on God’s perspective with you.
Our minds are important to God. Scripture reveals to us that his desire is to help us renew our minds and live out a life of abundance.
The beautiful thing about mental health therapy is that you can meet with a safe third-party person to process life, struggles in your mind, undesired behavioral practices, etc. The therapist that is right for you, can help you learn practical ways to live out these scriptures and apply these principles to your daily life.
Indicators that you may benefit from therapy:
Feeling nervous, stressed, or overwhelmed more often than not.
Unable to establish safe, healthy, or satisfying relationships.
Experiencing loss.
Feeling sad or lonely.
Difficulty navigating a new life transition.
Experiencing stress related to your job, school, or family.
Desiring overall Self-care and wellness.
People go to therapy for a variety of reasons, and this list does not even begin to cover it all. If you decide to seek support for your mental health, just know that you’re not alone.
We support your decision to choose a quality mental health provider, here’s our list of providers to take a look at: https://www.thementalwellnesscenter.com/providers
