The Church is failing to address mental health
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The Church is failing to address mental health

Why having a mental illness doesn't mean lack of faith.

78
The Church is failing to address mental health
Pexels

Half of all adults will suffer from mental illness in their lifetime.

One in five children will have a mental illness by age 18.

Today, October 10, is World Mental Health Day, which works to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world.

I never thought this day would mean much to me, but it struck me this morning that this applies to me more than I'd care to admit.

Mental health and mental illness have increasingly become a taboo subject in certain societies and it's especially noticeable in the American Church. The idea of having a mental illness warrants the idea that something is wrong with you, or in some cases, has prompted the notion that you just don't have enough faith.

"Oh, you suffer from depression or anxiety? Well, you just aren't close enough to Jesus then."

That heartbreaking lie has caused more damage than those who utter it could ever realize.

If only they knew that depression doesn't mean lack of faith. This world we live in can be cruel and harsh sometimes, there's no doubt of that. My depression stemmed from a difficult home life and bullying at school. My depression grew from sitting in counseling rooms, having the therapist prescribe yet another anti-depressant medication, even though I knew it wouldn't do anything, and tossing around terms like "mentally ill" and "unstable."

My anxiety would build late at night when all the worst thoughts would arise. It's like wearing an astronaut's helmet and having water drip into it. Slowly but surely, the helmet fills, cutting off your oxygen and there's nothing you can seeminly do.

Much of my depression and anxiety did occur when my walk with Christ was nearly non-existent, but I can assure all those who think it correlates entirely with faith, even today as I'm growing closer and closer to Jesus, I still struggle.

The depression doesn't just go away. There's no medical cure for anxiety. Don't you think if there were that the problem would be gone?

Yes, Jesus is my source of joy now, but that doesn't mean my bad days don't come. That doesn't mean there aren't mornings where getting out of bed is the hardest thing to do. There are days where getting out of bed is my biggest success. There are days where every hour, every minute, I have to keeps saying "Jesus I need some help today."

Mental health needs to be a more discussed topic in the Church. It helps no one if the subject gets brushed under the rug, in fear that it will make them look weak and someone who "lacks faith." Addressing this area of health -- one that affects all other areas of health -- needs to become a priority for the Church.

Depression... anxiety... or any other mental illness doesn't equate to lack of faith. If anything, my moments of depression and anxiety bring me even closer to the love of God.

"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken." (Psalm 34:17-20)


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70759
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132376
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments