Mental health is an important issue in today’s society, but is still not easy to discuss it in churches. The only messages that Christians get are about faith, healing, and trusting God, but mental health is rarely mentioned, and when it is, it doesn’t receive much attention. Many believers are usually convinced that they will be looked down upon or accused of lacking faith if they open up about their anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems.
This stigma can make people feel like they are alone and cannot turn to anyone for help during the time that they need it the most. However, the Bible does tell us to take care of the whole man – the spirit, the soul, and the body. Leaders must help to remove the stigma related to mental health in the church so that people can feel supported, healed, and valued as part of a biblical community.
Understanding the Stigma in the Church
The prejudice toward mental health issues in Christian communities can be attributed to misconceptions, incorrect interpretation of the Bible, and cultural norms. Here are some common explanations of why mental health problems are not well addressed in the church:
The idea that Faith is a protection against Mental Health Problems is being upfront in the matter.The majority of Christians believe that if you have enough faith, then you will be able to handle anything that happens to you, including mental illness. Although faith is a very powerful tool, it does not make people who believe in God immunized against mental health problems. The Bible is full of characters who were faithful but experienced emotional and psychological problems such as David, Elijah and even Jesus who was depressed in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26; 37-39).
A Lack of Knowledge and Awareness.
Many churches do not address mental health issues, thus pastors and leaders are not well-positioned to address the challenge. Consequently, those in need may be told things like, “Just pray about it,” or “Just have more faith,” which, although said with good intentions, can deny their pain and keep them from seeking professional help.
Biblical Perspectives on Mental Health
The Bible has a lot to say about the spirit, the mind, and the emotions. Here are several biblical principles that support the notion of mental health as an essential component of health:
God is Interested in Our Mental Health as Well
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
This verse tells us that God understands our pain, including the mental and emotional kind. He calls us to come to him and find rest, but also to seek the other help that is available, such as counselling and medical treatment.
Seeking Help is Not Atheism
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)
God wants us to be wise, and wise is to seek counsel from professional mental health care givers where needed.
Jesus Experienced Emotional Pain
“My soul is very heavy, almost to death.” (Matthew 26:38)
Even the most devout can suffer from emotional problems, and Jesus Himself experienced great emotional pain.
5 Ways the Church Can Support Mental Health
This means that the stain of mental health in the church cannot be removed without an effort. Here are ways that churches can foster a supportive and healing environment:
1. Prepare the Church Leadership
- Train mental health care to pastors and ministry leaders.
- Ask Christian counselors to come in and talk about mental health.
- Compile lists of Christian therapists of good standing to refer clients to.
2. Discuss Mental Health as Regularly as Possible
- Mental health should be mentioned in sermons and Bible studies.
- Let other believers testify to how they were healed by therapy and by faith.
- Encourage everyone to talk about their feelings and problems, and everyone else to talk about their successes in small groups.
3. Promote a Holistic Approach to Treatment
- Teach that prayer and therapy can go together.
- Encourage self-care measures like napping, exercising and meditating.
- Discuss physical health and nutrition since these are also an aspect of health.
4. Support Groups and Counseling Ministries should be provided
- Establish mental health support groups within the church.
- Partner with Christian counseling centers.
- Provide pastoral counseling but refer clients to professional practitioners when needed.
5. Compassion and Grace Should be Shown
- Do not criticize those who have mental health problems.
- Give encouragement and help in other ways as well.
- Tell the individuals that the God’s love is not dependent on their mental health.
