Christian Mental Health Conversations & Trusting God
When I first started our men’s organization, Real Men Connect and my podcast 8 years ago, I must confess, I knew very little about mental health in the Christian community. However, 900+ podcast episode interviews later, I’ve learned more than I could have ever imagined.
And in today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, mental health has now become a major focus of concern. From the stresses of daily life to the challenges brought on by unexpected crises, millions of people are dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout.
For Christian men, navigating mental health struggles come with unique challenges, including questions about faith, trust in God, and feelings of guilt or shame. However, the Bible offers profound wisdom on mental health, and we can find both peace and strength to handle these struggles.
In this article, I’m going to explore the relationship between mental health and our faith, how Scripture addresses emotional struggles, and practical ways we can maintain mental health through a Christ-centered approach.
You Are Not A Bad Christian - Understanding Christian Mental Health
Mental health, from a Christian perspective, isn’t separate from spiritual well-being. The Bible teaches that humans are holistic beings—our bodies, minds, and spirits are interconnected (1 Thessalonians 5:23). When we talk about Christian mental health, we are addressing the whole person, recognizing that emotional and psychological struggles are not simply matters of faith or trust but involve real, physical, and emotional components as well.
For centuries, mental health issues were often misunderstood in Christian circles, with many believing that feelings of depression or anxiety were simply due to a lack of faith or spiritual weakness. While spiritual health is an important aspect of overcoming emotional struggles, the Bible shows us that even faithful, God-honoring individuals like King David, Job, Elijah, and the Apostle Paul experienced deep emotional pain and suffering.
For example, King David frequently cried out to God in his distress, writing in Psalm 42:11, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” David’s honesty about his emotional state demonstrates that even strong believers experience seasons of distress and despair. The key is to bring those struggles to God, knowing He cares and is able to heal and restore.
Mental Health Struggles in the Bible
Having grown up in the church pretty much my entire life, I can’t ever recall ever hearing a sermon addressing mental health; not even one. And at that time, I didn’t even know that my own mother, who was a teenager at the time, was having her own mental challenges. Little did I know that mental health was always an issue in my home; I just didn’t know it.
And even though my church never addressed it, the Bible doesn’t shy away from addressing mental and emotional struggles. Some of the greatest heroes of faith wrestled with feelings of loneliness, despair, and even suicidal thoughts. Here’s just a few examples:
Elijah’s Depression (1 Kings 19:1-18) After his dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal, the prophet Elijah fled into the wilderness to escape Queen Jezebel’s wrath. Despite witnessing God’s miraculous power, Elijah fell into despair, telling God, “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (1 Kings 19:4). God responded with grace, providing Elijah with food, rest, and ultimately, a reminder of His presence.
Job’s Suffering (Job 3; 6:8-10) Job, a righteous man, endured intense suffering—losing his family, wealth, and health. In his grief, Job wished for death, expressing deep anguish. Yet through his trials, Job maintained his faith and ultimately encountered God’s profound wisdom and sovereignty.
Paul’s Despair (2 Corinthians 1:8-9) The Apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, openly shared his emotional struggles with the Corinthian church, saying, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” (2 Corinthians 1:8). Even Paul, who accomplished so much for God’s kingdom, experienced moments of extreme mental and emotional stress.
These biblical examples remind us that emotional suffering is not a sign of weak faith or God’s abandonment. Instead, they illustrate that even the most faithful servants of God endure seasons of hardship. The question is not whether we will face struggles, but how we will respond to them.
Reminders for Christians Struggling With Mental Illness and Mental Health
One of the biggest questions Christians (especially men) facing mental health struggles ask is: “Does my anxiety or depression mean I don’t trust God enough?” This question can often lead to feelings of guilt or shame. However, it’s important to understand that mental health issues are often complex, involving a combination of biological, emotional, and spiritual factors.
Trusting God in the midst of mental health struggles doesn’t mean you won’t feel anxiety, fear, or sadness. It means that, despite these feelings, you choose to turn to God for comfort and strength. As Christians, we are called to place our burdens on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7), trusting that He cares for us, even when we don’t feel His presence.
Philippians 4:6-7 offers a powerful reminder for those struggling with anxiety:“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This doesn’t mean that prayer will immediately remove all anxious thoughts, but it does mean that in bringing our concerns to God, we invite His peace to fill our hearts and minds. In moments of emotional struggle, trusting God means leaning on Him for strength and resting in the knowledge that He is sovereign and in control, even when life feels overwhelming.
Practical Steps to Care for Your Mental Health as a Christian
When I was growing up in the church, they taught us a lot about the Bible and the scriptures, but we spent more time talking about the “what” of the Bible, as opposed to the “how to” apply the Bible to our daily lives and spiritual challenges.
While spiritual practices are important for maintaining mental health, it’s also crucial to recognize the practical steps that can support emotional well-being. Here are some ways you can care for your mental health through a Christ-centered lens:
1. Stay Rooted in Scripture
Regular Bible reading and meditation on Scripture help anchor your mind in God’s truth. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, the Bible offers comfort, guidance, and perspective. Scriptures like Psalm 34:18, which says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” can remind you of God’s presence and care.
2. Practice Prayer and Gratitude
Prayer is a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. It allows you to release your burdens to God and invite His peace into your life. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift your perspective from focusing on problems to recognizing the blessings in your life. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
3. Seek Christian Counseling
Sometimes, mental health struggles require professional help, and that’s okay. Seeking Christian counseling provides a space to process your emotions with a trained professional who understands both psychological principles and biblical truths. Many pastors and Christian therapists are equipped to help individuals navigate emotional challenges from a faith-based perspective.
4. Connect with Community
Isolation can worsen feelings of depression and anxiety. The Christian faith is designed to be lived out in community. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can offer support, encouragement, and prayer. That’s one of the many reasons we started our men’s organization Real Men Connect, to give men a safe place to go and a healthy place to heal by offering them hope in the areas of life that’s hurting them the most.
Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Whether it’s through church, on organization like ours, a small group, or a trusted friend, don’t go through mental health struggles alone.
5. Prioritize Rest and Self-Care
Just as God instituted the Sabbath as a day of rest (Exodus 20:8-10), it’s important to recognize the need for physical and emotional rest. Overworking or neglecting self-care can exacerbate mental health issues. So, take time to care for your body through adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, and physical activity, as these factors play a significant role in overall mental well-being.
Overcoming Stigma Surrounding Mental Health in Christian Circles
One of the challenges many Christian men face is the stigma surrounding mental health within the church. For years, mental health issues have often been seen as spiritual failures, rather than legitimate struggles that require compassion and support. Thankfully, this perspective is beginning to shift as more Christians recognize the complexity of mental health and the need for a balanced approach.
Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Mental health care, from a Christian perspective, is part of renewing our minds and aligning our thoughts with God’s will.
The church should be a place where individuals feel safe to express their struggles and find the support they need. By addressing mental health openly, Christians can help break the stigma and create a culture of compassion, understanding, and healing.
Whether we want to admit it or not, mental health is a vital part of the Christian walk, and struggling with anxiety, depression, or emotional distress doesn’t make you any less of a believer. The Bible offers countless examples of faithful men and women who dealt with intense emotional suffering, yet they found comfort and strength in God.
As Christian men, we are called to care for our whole being—mind, body, and spirit. Through a combination of faith, prayer, Scripture, and practical mental health care, we can find peace in the midst of our struggles and continue growing in our relationship with God. Whether you’re facing mental health challenges yourself or walking alongside someone who is, remember that God is present in every storm and that His peace is available to all who are willing to seek it.
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