What Does the Bible Have to Say About Mental Health?
Many Christians worry that struggling with a mental illness means they must not have enough faith to overcome the problem.
Dr. Joy Kwakuyi at Faith Integrated Psychiatry in Tucson, Arizona, helps many Christians who mistakenly believe this lie. He addressed this topic in his July 2022 blog post: Does Mental Illness Indicate a Lack of Faith? In today’s post, Dr. Kwakuyi takes a closer look at what the Bible does and doesn’t say about mental illness.
Examples of mental illness in the Bible
Although the Bible doesn’t use the term “mental illness,” it does offer several examples of folks who struggled with problems we recognize today as depression and anxiety. Here are some examples.
King David
King David was called “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14 and Acts 13:22), but that doesn’t mean he didn’t suffer: He was his dad’s least favorite son, and his own son betrayed him and tried to have him killed. It can be argued that David sunk into a deep depression as a result: “I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fall because of all my foes” (Psalm 6:6-7).
Do you ever feel that way? Does it seem as if the world is against you, and your despair is overwhelming? If so, you’re in good company. Like David, many modern Christians also struggle with depression.
Elijah
In 1 Kings, we read about Elijah, God’s prophet who performed miracles, but he was also just as human as you are. When Queen Jezebel took a hit out on him, Elijah panicked and fled. Physically and mentally exhausted, Elijah's thoughts turned to suicide as he begged God to take his life.
Self-harm and thoughts about it pop up in several places throughout Scripture. God understands this human emotion and shows us that even those closest to Him struggled with it.
Martha
If Martha lived among us today, she might be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. She constantly worried about things beyond her control and about issues of little consequence. The Bible reveals this in Luke 10:40-42: “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me.” The Lord answered her: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things when only one thing is necessary.”
By showing us Martha’s compulsive tendency to worry, the Bible shows us that we are not alone in our anxieties. But neither are we to stay fixated in a state of mental illness.
Is it okay for Christians to seek mental health care?
If you break your arm, you seek medical care. If you have a faith crisis, you seek spiritual care. It stands to reason that if you face mental illness, you should seek Christian counseling. God created you as a complete person — body, mind, and spirit. He wants you to nourish all three, and He offers you help in times of need.
Not just any counselor will do, though. Secular counselors approach mental health differently and may not steer you according to Scripture — Dr. Kwakuyi does. As an author, former pastor, and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, he bases his approach to mental healthcare on Christian principles and Scripture.
Dr. Kwayuki helps you understand that mental illness, like physical illness, is a result of living in a fallen world. Sure, there are times when God uses mental and physical illness to humble us, but most often, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental illnesses are part of life on this side of heaven.
Christians take heart — There’s help for mental illness
The Bible offers a multitude of verses to bring you hope in times of sorrow, depression, anxiety, despair, anger, isolation, and fear. For starters, read the Book of Psalms. Here are a few more examples:
- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-29).
- “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” (Philippians 4:6-7).
God wants you to talk to Him about your worries and fears. He also wants you to seek the help of mature Christian professionals who can guide you according to His Word.
If you’re struggling with mental illness, don’t suffer in silence. Pray about your condition, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kwakuyi today. Call us at 520-263-1583, or book online.
