What Does the Bible Say about Mental Health?

I’m glad you’re here. I do recognize some people in my real life might be here just to see what’s going on with me, but I am writing this to be an encouragement and to adjust the temperature in the church. It seems that mental health issues are something people in church simply do not want to talk about. We have been known to associate it with weak faith. That’s wrong. We teach that trusting God is enough to live out this life. I think that can be narrow. If trusting God is enough, why do you go to the doctor when you do not feel well? It’s okay to seek help when you need it. God provides provisions in many forms – doctors, mental health professionals, grocery stores, mechanics, and more.

They are each provision provided by Him.

Still, so many Christians think they can pray away mental health issues and that is exemplary of trusting God.

Don’t get me wrong, I do believe you should trust God! I even wrote a blog post about trusting God completely. Yet, when mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and burnout persist, it can feel like there’s a disconnect.

We are told that faith is enough, but what happens when it doesn’t seem to be?

What happens when prayer and Bible study aren’t enough to lift the burden?

What does the Bible say about mental health? – That’s what we need to know!

We need to understand what the Bible says because, in my experience, the intersection of faith and mental health has been a complicated and sometimes even shameful one.

I have found this to be especially true in the African-American church community in the United States.

It makes me wonder, how do we reconcile our faith with feelings of anxiety, sadness, or exhaustion?

What does the Bible say about mental health, and how can we navigate our struggles without feeling guilty or like we’ve failed God?

It’s no secret that I am going through a rough time as I write this.

Really rough.

So many of you have emailed me and encouraged me so sweetly, and it means the world to me! I can’t express how much because there are no words. Thank you for reading my blog posts and for supporting me.

This is a real shame

Not long ago, I found myself apologizing to God in prayer for not being over my grief.

After I said it, I felt a shower of peace.

He gave me the clarity to see how intense losing your remaining immediate family members can be.

It’s heart-wrenching to have no one who remembers how your mom’s mac and cheese tasted or what your grandpa used to do every Monday.

It’s especially hard not having my sibling to share the recent grief of losing my mom. He can’t share it because he died shortly after her.

Then, there is the disruption of routine resulting from losing your immediate family. I used to call my brother certain times of the week. I talked to my mom multiple times a day.

Wild.

Of course, God is not upset with me for not being 100% on my game – or even 4%.

It blows my mind that I had that invulnerable “Blessed and Highly Favored”, projecting a fake ‘always happy’ persona that some Christians propagate.

That is what was at the heart of my apology to God.

Our understanding of mental health as Christians might need to shift, both in our thoughts and our theology.

We cannot just pray things away. We have to face them.

It’s okay to be broken.

This post seeks to explore the balance between faith and mental health struggles, providing a candid look at what happens when faith alone doesn’t seem to be enough.

If you’ve ever felt like your struggles are a reflection of a lack of faith, or if you’ve been taught that mental health issues are something to be prayed away, this post is for you.

Let’s talk about it more and explore the question, What does the Bible say about mental health?

1. The Importance of Acknowledging Mental Health Struggles

Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Yet, in many Christian communities, it is often overlooked or misunderstood.

The stigma surrounding mental health issues can make it difficult for many of us Christians to talk openly about our struggles.

Instead of seeking help, many individuals turn inward, trying to pray away their feelings of anxiety or depression.

I am a strong Christian in therapy now. It helps.

I have zero qualms about seeing a therapist right now.

She has shown me so much about my journey and taught me about my tendency to avoid problems by staying busy.

Listen!

That is why you are getting so many blog posts from me right now!

I’m working on that tendency, but it has taught me something else.

Calling out Pastors Who Ned Counseling

So many pastors and others do the same thing. They work 24 hours a day because they don’t want to deal with issues (i.e., hurt, rejection, trauma) in their own mental health.

If they slow down, they will have to feel what they feel, so they don’t. They cloak their avoidance in “ministry” and claim to be sold out to God’s work. That’s a crock and an excuse.

The said part is that, in doing that, they are teaching other Christians to do the same. Sad.

You can’t ignore it. That is what therapy is teaching me.

However, ignoring mental health struggles doesn’t make them go away.

In fact, it can often make them worse. Mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and burnout are real conditions that affect millions of people, and Christians are included.

Just because someone is a believer doesn’t mean they are immune to these struggles.

As Christians, it is essential that we acknowledge that mental health matters.

It’s okay to not be okay.

God created us with minds and emotions, and He wants us to take care of our whole selves—spirit, soul, and body. There is no shame in recognizing that you need help.

What does the Bible say about mental health? It says turn to Jesus and throw your cares on Him.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32

A list of mental health issues (you may be surprised!)

I am going to talk in-depth about the question, “What does the Bible say about mental health?”, but I know church people.

Some of you may think you’re untouched by mental health issues. Please read below and let me know if you still feel the same way.

Here is a list of mental health issues that people may not always recognize as such and might choose to live with:

Chronic Fatigue
Ongoing tiredness and lack of energy that doesn’t improve with rest. People may dismiss it as just being “too busy” or “getting older,” but it could point to deeper mental health issues like depression or anxiety.

Overthinking
Constantly dwelling on situations, decisions, or worries, often to the point of distress. Many may see it as a normal habit, but it can be a sign of anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Emotional Numbness
Feeling disconnected or indifferent about things that used to bring joy or meaning, sometimes perceived as “burnout” or “going through a phase,” when it could be depression or emotional dysregulation.

Perfectionism
A desire for flawless results that causes stress, self-criticism, and fear of failure. It’s often seen as a personality trait but can be linked to anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and low self-esteem.

Avoidance Behavior
Avoiding social situations, responsibilities, or places due to a fear of discomfort or anxiety, which might be brushed off as “introversion” but can indicate social anxiety disorder.

Irritability or Anger Outbursts
Being easily upset or having trouble managing anger. Often seen as a personality trait or stress response, but it could be linked to mood disorders like depression or anxiety.

Excessive People-Pleasing
Continuously putting others’ needs above your own and seeking validation from others. It can stem from underlying anxiety, low self-worth, or fear of rejection.

Sleep Disturbances (Sometimes, I think this can be physical, too)
Insomnia or excessive sleeping can be dismissed as simply a bad habit, but they are often connected to conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.

Constant Self-Doubt
Constantly questioning one’s own decisions, abilities, or worth can be seen as a normal self-reflection but may indicate anxiety or depression, especially when it leads to indecision and paralysis.

Difficulty in Saying “No”
Feeling compelled to say yes to every request, despite feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable, can stem from codependency, anxiety, or a fear of conflict.

Guilt and Shame
Feeling intense guilt over actions or things out of one’s control. It’s often brushed off as “being too hard on oneself” but can be indicative of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Constant Need for Control
Over-managing situations or obsessively organizing one’s environment can be linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or anxiety, even if the person perceives this as a need for order or perfection.

Disconnection from Others
A sense of feeling detached from those around you, even when you’re physically present, can be a sign of depression or dissociative disorders.

Chronic Pain with No Medical Cause
Experiencing ongoing physical pain that doesn’t have a medical explanation, often linked to stress or anxiety. People may overlook the psychological component, attributing it solely to physical ailments.

People who Can’t Relax
A constant need to stay busy, unable to unwind or let go of tasks. It’s often seen as ambition, but can be a sign of anxiety or a fear of being unproductive.

What do you think of this list? It cuts a lot of directions, doesn’t it?

When you think about the concept of “What does the Bible say about mental health?”, think about how vast it can be.

Recognizing your subtle symptoms as indicators of mental health struggles is an essential first step in the journey toward seeking help.

It’s heartbreaking to know that many individuals endure these challenges for years, often unaware of their connection to broader mental health issues.

Don’t you agree it is crucial to break the stigma surrounding mental health?

Only then will we cultivate a more compassionate and supportive environment for everyone, where no one feels alone in their experiences.

Take the Free Quiz

I created a quiz you can use. It is not a mental health assessment by any means. However, it may provide you with some valuable insights that you can apply to your own mental health journey. Click here to download it.

2. What Does the Bible Say About Mental Health?

While the Bible may not explicitly mention modern terms like “anxiety” or “depression,” it speaks extensively about the human experience of struggle, worry, and despair.

Look at the Psalms!

God is not surprised by our emotional pain or mental health challenges, and His Word offers rich, deep wisdom on how to navigate these difficulties.

Anxiety and Worry

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 beautiful verse offers comfort to those who struggle with anxiety, reminding us to bring our painful concerns before God and trust that His peace will guard us.

However, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t mean that anxiety will instantly disappear.

Rather, it’s a call to shift our focus from our worries to God’s faithfulness.

Prayer, gratitude, and trust in God can help us navigate anxiety, but they don’t negate the need for additional care and support.

What does the Bible say about mental health? It says we don’t need to be anxious, but can go to God for His peace.

Depression and Despair

King David, a man after God’s own heart, was no stranger to depression and despair.

In Psalm 42:11, he writes, “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 in expressing his sorrow shows that even the most faithful can experience deep emotional pain. Yet, his response is not to stay in despair but to put his hope in God.

This verse got me out of bed one time when I was feeling low.

I had to go somehwere very important. But, depression and sadness had me paralyzed. I turned to this scripture somehow (we know how) and the Holy Spirit gave me such a wonderful revelation of it.

The way I interpreted it was to command my soul. I told myself as a directive, “I WILL YET PRAISE HIM!” The translation was “Girl, get your but up out of that bed. You will rejoice in the Lord!”

What does the Bible say about mental health? It says we can put our hope in God. Still, get help when we need it.

He really is our Comforter

In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul refers to God as the “God of all comfort,” who comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others.

This verse speaks to the importance of seeking comfort from God in times of emotional distress.

The Bible acknowledges that suffering is part of our human experience, but it also offers hope that God will provide comfort and healing when we need it most.

I love God so much! He’s so “there” for us, isn’t He?

This scripture, I think, shows clearly the answer to the thought, What does the Bible say about mental health.

Burnout and Funky Fatigue

Burnout is a very real challenge for many Christians.

It is especially so for those who are deeply involved in ministry or caring for others.

Again, many people are burned out because they are avoiding emotional needs, but burnout is burnout.

I found that in Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus offers rest to the weary: “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.”

*sigh*

Jesus’ invitation to us to find rest in Him is a reminder that we are not meant to carry the weight of the world all on our own.

When we are feeling burnt out or overwhelmed, it’s important to remember that rest and renewal are found in Jesus, not in striving or pushing through.

What does the Bible say about mental health? It says take the pains, burdens, and struggles to Jesus. Allow Him to refresh you.

3. Faith Alone Doesn’t Always Fix Mental Health Struggles

I hope you are getting my point here.

The reality is that faith alone doesn’t always fix mental health struggles.

This can be a difficult truth to accept.

It was hard for me because I have been taught that faith should be the ultimate cure.

When prayer and Bible study don’t seem to alleviate feelings of anxiety or depression, it can feel like we’re doing something wrong. Remember, my silly apology to the Lord?

That is why I want you to recognize that mental health is complex.

It’s not simply a matter of having enough faith.

Did you know that mental health struggles can arise from a variety of factors, including biology, trauma, stress, and unresolved emotional pain?

While faith is an essential part of healing, it’s not a quick and overall fix.

I mentioned this earlier, but just as we would seek medical help for a physical illness, it’s equally important to seek professional help for mental health issues.

In fact, some mental illnesses can cause physical illnesses!

Get yourself some help, Christian Sister. I need to say “Christian Brother”, too. I see ya’ll reading my stuff. 🙂

Anyway, this help might include therapy, counseling, medication, or a combination of these.

After all, seeking help from a mental health professional is a way of caring for the mind and body that God has entrusted to us.

What does the Bible say about mental health? It says it is okay to get help.

In Ecclesiastes 4:12, we read, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

This verse beautifully highlights the inspiring importance of unity and mutual support in our spiritual journey. Let a mental health professional be your mutual support.

4. Faith and Mental Health: A Holistic Approach

So, how do we balance faith with mental health struggles? How do we factor in the answer to the question at the core of this blog post: “What does the bible say about mental health?”

I personally think the key is to take a holistic approach and recognize that both spiritual and mental health are essential parts of our overall well-being.

Here is what it can look like – or at least how it looks for me:

Prayer and Support

Faith should be an integral part of the healing process. It certainly is for me. My prayer and Bible study time looks nothing like it did in the past. It’s more visceral. My primal. I’m more desperate.

Prayer, Bible study, and worship helps us center our minds on God and His promises.

Yet, we must also acknowledge that we may need additional support, whether through counseling, medication, or other mental health resources. I cannot stress that enough.

What does the Bible say about mental health? It tells us it is okay to rely on one another. We are a Body.

Self-Care and Boundaries

Self-care is an important part of mental health.

Setting healthy boundaries, taking time for rest, and engaging in activities that bring joy and peace are all essential aspects of maintaining mental well-being.

This might mean stepping back from ministry responsibilities or taking a break from social media. I wrote about doing just that.

Caring for our mental health is not a sign of weakness but an act of stewardship!!!

What does the Bible say about mental health? It says it’s okay to love yourself! You love others as you love yourself!

Community and Accountability

One of the greatest sources of healing is community.

I’m going to cry writing this, but my friends and kids have been the greatest part of my healing process.

They are like the Good Samaritan, washing wounds and caring for me daily.

So have some of you guys too! My subscribers have been so honest with me about their own journeys, but also so encouraging. Thank you again.

Being open and honest with trusted friends or family members can provide support, encouragement, and accountability.

You need each of these.

Besides, again, the Bible encourages us to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and this is especially important when dealing with mental health challenges.

What does the Bible say about mental health? If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

5. Breaking the Stigma: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

As Christians, we are called to be transparent and honest with one another.

I really believe that.

It’s okay to admit when we’re struggling.

I want you to remember this: mental health issues should not be stigmatized or ignored.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or burnout, it doesn’t mean you lack faith. It simply means you’re human.

People who judge people dealing with mental health issues can just kick rocks. Kiss my behind and move on with the mental health issues you clearly have. Yes, I said it.

Breaking the stigma around mental health in the church is crucial. We cannot be soft about it.

We are losing too many people – and you know what I mean.

When we open up about our struggles, we create space for others to do the same.

That is what I am doing here! That is what I am doing in my own life.

This vulnerability can lead to healing, support, and a deeper sense of Christian community.

What does the Bible say about mental health? It says to be authentic.

Finding Hope in the Midst of Struggle

What does the Bible say about mental health? It says plenty. I hope I’ve shown that.

Let’s recap:

Mental health struggles are a reality for many Christians, but they don’t have to be a source of shame.

The Bible speaks to our emotional pain and offers comfort and hope. While faith is essential, it is not always the immediate cure for mental health issues. A holistic approach that includes prayer, support, self-care, and professional help can help us navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, and burnout.

If you’re struggling with mental health issues, know that you are not alone. There is no shame in seeking help, and there is no shame in admitting that faith alone doesn’t always fix everything. God cares for your whole being—spirit, soul, and body—and He will guide you toward healing in all areas of your life.

Remember, God’s Word offers comfort and peace in times of distress. And though the struggle may continue, God is with you every step of the way. As you seek Him, trust that He will lead you to the help and healing you need.

What does the Bible say about mental health? Now you know.

Also, if you are a judgmental Christian, kick rocks. Your lack of compassion is simply a result of your own mental health issues. The church is a safe and healing place. You are the reason I am writing this to change the narrative from fake people like you. Pray about yourself.

Yeah, I said it. I said all of it. That is real talk and tough love.

Anyway, love you all!

P.S. Download my free Bible journaling prompts on this topic!

Disclaimer:

I am not a mental health professional, and the information provided in this blog post is not intended as medical or mental health advice. The content shared here is based on personal research and general knowledge. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges, I strongly encourage you to seek guidance from a qualified mental health professional or counselor. Every individual’s situation is unique, and professional support is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Please reach out to a licensed therapist or healthcare provider for personalized advice and assistance.