Christian Mental Health Support
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and it affects all aspects of our lives including our relationships, work, and daily functioning. As Christians, we believe that God created us in His image and desires for us to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
However, many Christians experience a range of mental health struggles from depression, to anxiety, phobias, addiction, and more. In some individuals these mental health struggles manifest into mental health disorders, requiring a specific level of care and training to understand the conditions impact on an individual and how to support it. These can arise from various factors including, but not limited to, circumstantial challenges, genetic predispositions, past traumas, or spiritual struggles. Today we will explore the importance of mental health for Christians and provide resources for Christian mental health support across a spectrum of severity.
Mental Health vs. Mental Disorder
To struggle is to be human. All of us have been wounded in some way, shape, or form whether this hurt has come from friends or family members, this impacts how we relate to ourselves, God, and others in the present. The end result of developmental, spiritual, and circumstantial challenges can often be mental and emotional health problems in the present.
Definitions can be both informing and limiting. But today, as we explore mental health support within the Christian Ecosystem, it’s important to understand the differences between mental health and mental disorders. Here’s the distinction the World Health Organization makes on the subject in these next two headings:
What is Mental Health?
“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in” (World Health Organization)
What is a Mental Disorder?
According to the World Health Organization, “A mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior. It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. There are many different types of mental disorders.” Examples of classifiable mental disorders include Anxiety disorders, Depression, Bipolar, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia, and many more. Each of these disorders is classified by a set of symptoms that when experienced together, make up a disorder.
Having a classifiable system for diagnosing mental health problems can be extremely helpful in identifying what is going on and selecting proven methods for treating disorders. On the other hand, evaluating our struggles through a categorical lens can be challenging. Our stories are so complex. To struggle is to be human. As Christians, we certainly believe that who we are is not ultimately defined by a categorical disorder, but by our core identity and worth as people created in God’s image.
Can we have a mental disorder and still be mentally healthy?
Yes! According to BritishColumbia.gov “mental health is always there and may be positive or negative, mental illness affects a person’s ability to function over a long period of time.
Mental illness [Disorder] is not the same as feeling sad, unhappy, or stressed because of difficult situations. People with mental illness may feel distressed regularly and may not feel in control of their lives. Mental illness can impact how we see ourselves, how we see the world around us and how we interact with the world.
It’s important to know that it is possible to have good mental health even if you have a mental illness [Disorder]. Just like with other conditions, many people with mental illness experience tough times but they can also have periods of better or good mental health. Taking care of your mental health is important for everyone.”
Is Mental Health Support For Christians?
There has been a stigma around receiving mental health support as a Christian, but the invitation from Jesus is clear: “Come to me all who are weary, and heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). We are not meant to carry our burdens alone, and seeking support is a sign of strength. In fact, the Bible encourages us to bear one another's burdens and to seek counsel from wise individuals (Galatians 6:2, Proverbs 19:20).
Additionally, mental health issues or mental disorders can impact our spiritual well-being as well. They can hinder our ability to connect with God, lead us to doubt our faith, and even affect our relationship with others in the church community. Therefore, seeking mental health support for a mental health diagnosis is not only beneficial for our well-being but also for our spiritual growth as Christians.
What Does Jesus Say About Mental Health Support?
The first Bible verse Jesus quoted was from the book of Isaiah, where he says “I have come to bind up broken hearts and proclaim freedom for captives” (Luke 4:18). While not being a direct declaration of specificity for mental health “support” (as Jesus’ teachings so often are), God is deeply interested in helping us in the middle of our mental and emotional pain. Jesus also models the importance of seeking support by regularly retreating to spend time with the Father. We draw on this truth as a means for our own
Jesus' message is one of love, compassion, and healing. He desires for all of His children to live in freedom and wholeness, which, from our perspective, includes mental health. Seeking mental health support aligns with this message and shows a willingness to let God heal and restore us in all areas of our lives.
We also see Jesus expressing emotion in John 11:35 where He weeps in sympathy for His friend Lazarus’ death, which serves as the perfect picture of what it looks like to live in a world where we embrace our emotions and feel deeply as God’s creation. It’s a beautiful gift, and a reminder that it is okay to feel and express our emotions, even the difficult ones. Seeking mental health support can help us process and manage our emotions in a healthy way.
Christian Mental Health Resources
We believe Christians should not just pursue mental and emotional health support, but to do so in a way that integrates their faith, knowing that identity, purpose, and belonging in Christ should be our central aim and theme of the support we seek.
There are many resources available for Christians who are looking to improve mental health
Below are a few options to consider. As you do so, keep in mind that our struggles are complex and there is not a one size fits all approach. We often need a whole care team, including our local church, community mental health center, mental health experts, mentors, a mental health ministry, and more. Explore the list below with curiosity for what might be the right support for you in the current season of your journey toward health, hope, and healing.
1. Christian Coaching
Christian coaching can be powerful to expand your mental flourishing. At Share the Struggle, coaches are core to the mission of coming alongside and empowering individuals in a thought provoking way that leads to self-reflection and co-creation of goals to move past life challenges that bring about vastly improved mental health. For those that have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder(s) and continue to face challenges as a result, coaching can be a great supplemental support outlet alongside clinical care.
Often, individuals that have experienced some level of debilitating stagnation in their lives that require the attention of a clinician can find the goal setting & thought partnership of a coach as a valuable resource for additional support. Share the Struggle coaches believe in the power of and invite the Holy Spirit regularly to sessions knowing that change is transformative when our identity is found in Christ.
2. Support Groups
Joining a support group with other Christians who share similar struggles can be a great source of comfort and encouragement. You can find support groups through local churches, online faith communities, or organizations like Celebrate Recovery. If the struggles you’re looking to unpack with a support group are shared, a Share the Struggle small group course course might be a valuable tool that provides some clinical levels of understanding about your mental health struggle, along with a biblical perspective to help you unlock lasting change.
It is so tempting to try and face our struggles alone. Support groups help us realize that we are not the only ones struggling and help us expand our thinking as we hear how others are handling difficulty. Support groups allow us to experience belonging in suffering and hope for the future.
3. Self Guided Mental Health Resources (Mental Health Resources from Christian Organizations)
Among the wealth of resources offered by Christian organizations, such as the Mental Health Grace Alliance, Share The Struggle stands out for its commitment to providing compassionate, faith-based content and courses to individuals grappling with mental health challenges. Self-guided resources like books, blogs, and online courses can be a helpful starting place to understand various struggles and how you might begin to address what you are experiencing.
Ultimately we believe that transformation happens in relationships - content can be a helpful starting place but not the main source of healing. In Share the Struggle community groups, we pair helpful content with a community of believers. This creates a nurturing environment where people can share their experiences, struggles, and victories, fostering a community that walks together towards healing and wholeness.
By integrating biblical principles with practical mental health services, Share The Struggle offers a unique support system that uplifts both the spiritual and emotional aspects of a person's life.
4. Pastoral Care and Discipleship
Pastors are trained in theology and biblical counseling and can be an excellent source of wisdom and spiritual guidance to address mental health goals. They can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to process their struggles within the biblical narrative and work towards healing.
Discipleship is a powerful tool to develop whole life transformation modeled after the life of Jesus. The primary aim of discipleship is to spend time with Jesus, who is our wonderful counselor and prince of peace. In turn, discipleship aims for us to then live a life of inward devotion to God and outward service of others. Discipleship can give you life purpose and direction, often creating healing as a byproduct.
5. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapists are trained and licensed mental health professionals equipped with knowledge to help you unpack the complexity of your struggle and the developmental experiences that led you to your current way of being or mental disorders. There are different types of therapists who possess unique specialities such as trauma, eating disorders, marriage, etc. Therapists have the competence to formally evaluate and diagnose mental disorders as well as work within the medical system as licensed clinicians. Psychotherapy is a relational process designed to help you understand who you are and how you got here.
Therapists have many different specialties and approaches to change and should be evaluated to discover if a therapist is a good fit for what you need. Most forms of therapy focus primarily on understanding your unique makeup and developmental experiences that led to your current struggles and in turn, help you process the past in order to get unstuck and begin to move forward in greater health.
6. Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Directors are trained to help you seek God in the middle of your struggle and discover his presence and leading in your life. Spiritual directors create a space for spiritual encounters with Jesus and help you process and explore what God might be up to in your life. Spiritual directors aim to create an awareness of the presence of God in your life as the primary means of healing of your wounds and direction for your life.
Note* None of these suggested resources are intended to be holistic in the purview of healing. At Share the Struggle we recognize that change and healing from many of life’s challenges happens when we feel heard and loved in our mess. That includes surrounding ourselves with others we trust (these people may be made up by coaches, counselors, pastors, therapists, friends, etc.) and surrounding ourselves with compassionate and empathetic people who can point us to biblical truth.
Share The Struggle
Here at Share The Struggle we believe Jesus is present with us in the middle of our pain and mess, and it is in that place that we often experience and encounter Jesus most deeply
We understand the unique challenges faced by Christians dealing with mental health. Our mission is to bridge the gap between faith and mental health support, providing a platform where individuals can find resources, coaching support and guidance, all tailored to their spiritual life and emotional needs.
Through our comprehensive range of services, including coaching, educational materials, and an empathetic community, we aim to destigmatize mental health within the Christian community and empower individuals towards healing and wholeness.
We invite you to explore our resources, share your journey, and find the support you need to overcome the struggles you face. Join us in the movement to bring mental health to the forefront of Christian conversations. Together, we can make a difference. Visit our website or contact us to learn more about how Share The Struggle can support you on your path to mental wellness!
Frequently Asked Christian Mental Health Support Questions
What makes Christian coaching different from other forms of coaching?
At Share the Struggle, Christian coaching uses the perspective that we are image bearers of God. Christian coaches have a shared element of faith, which is great, but more substantially offers the accountability and encouragement that can only come from someone who understands the shared biblical truth.
Share the Struggle's unique coaching model consists of three primary movements: 1) Prayer and inviting God into your healing journey, 2) understanding the impact your thoughts and emotions are having on your current circumstances, and 3) taking steps forward to reorient your mind and life around the way of Jesus. Ultimately we believe that we’ve been hurt in relationships and we are healed in relationships. STS coaches prioritize building a relationship of trust and vulnerability where you can bring your whole self and collaborate with your coach to improve your mental wellbeing and accomplish your goals.
How can I find a Christian coach that suits my needs?
Finding the right Christian Coach is critical. We don’t want to make you stress, but it’s core to the Share the Struggle identity that change happens in relationships of trust. If you trust your coach, you’ll experience the greatest level of connection possible. First, consider identifying what you are after with a coach? What are your goals, and what priorities do you have? From there, look into trusted coaching organizations, like Share the Struggle, or individuals that are certified coaches.
When you've found a potential coach, it can be important to look into their certifications, understand their approach to integrating faith and coaching. Most coaches are willing to have an initial consultation to discuss your needs and how they can help you.
Can I still benefit from Christian coaching if my faith is weak?
Absolutely. Christian coaching provides a compassionate and non-judgmental space for individuals at every point in their faith journey. Whether you're wrestling with doubt, experiencing a crisis of faith, or have distanced yourself from religious practices, Christian coaches want to meet you where you are.
They can help you explore your spiritual concerns within the broader context of your mental health challenges, offering support that respects your perspective and encourages growth at your own pace.
Are there specific mental health issues that Christian coaching addresses?
Christian coaching primarily addresses supporting you to accomplish your goals which can include overcoming mental health struggles. While coaches can be helpful in being a thought-partner, accountability holder, and friend for the journey to help overcome many of common mental health issues, they do not have the training or scope of competence to focus on the root of these from a clinical perspective.
In addition, Christian coaching can be particularly helpful for individuals struggling with spiritual issues, such as religious trauma, faith crises, guilt, and forgiveness. The integration of faith-based principles offers unique perspectives and coping strategies for believers facing these challenges.
How does prayer feature in Christian coaching?
Prayer can be an integral part of Christian coaching, serving as a means to invite God's presence, guidance, and healing into the discovery process. Coaches may start or end sessions with prayer (we do at Share the Struggle), and may encourage clients to engage in prayer both during sessions and in their personal time.
What is the role of the church community in supporting mental health?
The church community plays a significant role in supporting the mental health of its members. It can offer an ongoing support network that fosters a sense of belonging and shared understanding. Churches can provide resources, such as support groups and workshops, to educate members about mental health challenges and coping mechanisms.
Additionally, pastors and faith leaders can collaborate with Christian counselors to offer guidance and support, ensuring that individuals who experience mental illness feel seen, supported, and encouraged to seek professional help alongside spiritual support.
Conclusion
Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and it's crucial for the Christian community to address it with intention and compassion. Share The Struggle offers resources and support to individuals seeking mental health care within a faith-based context. If you or someone you know is looking to flourish in your mental health, we encourage you to reach out.
Remember, it's not a sign of weakness to seek support; rather, it shows strength and courage in taking charge of your mental health journey. Let us walk with you on the path towards healing and wholeness. We are here for you. You are not alone!
*Information was pulled from BritishColumbia.gov and World Health Organization and used in this blog.
