Have you ever struggled with anxiety or depression and felt like no one really understood what you were going through? No matter how hard you tried to explain the scenario, they looked at you like you had 12 heads. I understand how you feel.
Fourteen years ago, I was sitting in my high school English class writing a report about who I am and who I want to be. Everyone around me thought I had it all: good grades, strong beliefs, and a busy schedule. But inside, I felt lost and confused.
Even though I lived in a “Christian home,” my world was far from safe. When I was 10 years old, someone I loved threatened to kill me. My home was filled with anger, violence, and drug abuse from all my immediate family. I felt trapped.
To cope, I developed a dangerous relationship with food and became addicted to exercise. I thought the answer was to take control of my body. It wasn’t.
At the time, I didn’t realize how unusual my situation was. I was told to pray more and be grateful because others had it worse, but that didn’t ease my pain. I’ve disabled it.
Unfortunately, this may be the case for many people. You may not have grown up in an unsafe household, but one in three people (33%) struggle with worry, fear, sadness, distracting thoughts, unhealthy eating habits, or self-harm. Most of you feel so embarrassed or confused that you hide your true feelings. When someone asks how you’re doing, it’s easier to say “I’m fine” than to tell them the truth. Can you relate?
As a former English teacher, I would like you to try this simple activity. If any of the statements below resonate with you, just acknowledge it, nod your head, and read on. The statement is shown below.
1. “I know someone who has struggled with anxiety, depression, or an eating disorder.”
2. “I know someone who attempted suicide or died by suicide.”
3. “I have struggled with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or other mental health issues.”
4. “I have ever felt embarrassed about my mental health problems.”
5. “When I told someone about my struggles, I felt judged.”
Although I couldn’t physically see you nodding, I think most of you nodded to almost all of these questions. Mental health issues are not new to society, and Christians are not immune to the presence of mental health issues in our lives. But it’s powerful to know that you’re not alone in facing this problem.
Friends, it’s okay to feel how you’re feeling and ask for support. There is no shame in asking for help and being honest about your suffering. It may seem daunting, but I’m here to guide you.
If I could turn back the clock, there are three things I wish someone had told me about mental health when I was a kid. Three truths everyone should know.
1. Anxiety does not mean a lack of faith.
I believed that because I was a Christian, I wouldn’t have to struggle. John 16:33 assures us that this is not the case. In this world we will face problems including physical and mental health problems. But Jesus overcame the world.
If you believe in Jesus, the power of His Spirit dwells within you. Jesus experienced everything we face and left His Spirit to comfort us. In John 16:7, a few verses before Jesus declares that we will encounter trouble, John reminds us:
Beyond His Spirit, Jesus gives us other humans who can support us through our struggles. Someone who can sit across from us, look us in the eye and say, “Me too.” We are born for connection, so it’s important to remember that mental health issues can affect anyone. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry one another’s burdens, so that you may fulfill the law of Christ” (ESV).
One helpful skill for dealing with anxiety is deep breathing. Although it may feel challenging, focusing on your breathing will help you stay grounded.
When you feel anxious, try the 4-4-8 breathing prayer. Here’s how it works:
1. Breathe deeply through your nose for 4 seconds as you read the first part of the Bible. “When there was great anxiety within me” (Psalm 94:19).
2. Hold that breath in your mouth for 4 seconds.
3. Breathe out slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds as you read the second half of the Bible. “Your comfort has brought me joy” (Psalm 94:19 NIV).
This technique calms your mind and reminds you of God’s presence. Having someone by your side when you’re anxious can help by counting or gently patting your arm.
Mental health issues are normal and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. But if Satan makes you believe that you are the only one struggling, you have already lost the war. Hiding our struggles only makes them grow. One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to be honest about your struggles. This brings me to the second thing I wish someone had said to me.
2. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
I can give you dozens of examples of Biblical characters in the Bible who I felt were weak. From Job and Elijah to David, Moses, and Jeremiah, the list goes on. My favorites are Paul and Jesus.
Paul’s example:
In 2 Corinthians 12:9-11, Paul struggled with a thorn in the flesh. I don’t know if this is spiritual or physical, but I do know that it’s not something that can easily go away with prayer. In fact, after Paul prayed three times, God said to him: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (NIV).
Accepting weakness can be difficult. But Paul replies, “Therefore, I boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, for Christ’s sake, I rejoice in weaknesses, insults, afflictions, persecutions, and hardships, because when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Paul teaches us to be okay with being weak, admit that we are not okay, and ask for the help we need.
Jesus example:
In Matthew 26:38, Jesus prays with his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. Although he had already prophesied his death, he is “overwhelmed with sorrow unto death” (NIV). This passage emphasizes the suffering that Jesus felt before he was crucified.
Jesus was God, but he was also human. He knew more pain, sadness, and anxiety than we do. Why else would Jesus cry out one verse later, “Father, if it is possible, take this cup away from me? But not as I will, but as you will” (v. 39)? Remember that Jesus also prayed three times.
This moment reveals Jesus’ weakness. He chose to suffer, even though it was difficult, because he surrendered everything to God. This highlights the conflict between God’s human emotions and His divine mission. Jesus experienced human weakness and offered support in times of need. From this we can learn that it is okay to feel overwhelmed and ask for help, just as the Lord did.
At times like these, I recommend journaling as a way to communicate openly and honestly with God. It is a prayer that helps us process and understand.
By understanding that feeling anxious is part of being human and that asking for help is a sign of strength, we can strive for a healthier mindset.
The third thing I wish someone had told me when I was a kid is:
3. Healing is a journey, not a destination.
After graduating from university, I was diagnosed with over 10 illnesses. I went from healthy and active to weak and sick. It was my best friend who convinced me to seek counseling. I learned that even if you love Jesus, you can still get help for anxiety and depression.
When I first started treatment, I asked my counselor how long it would take. He said, “As long as it takes.” Six years later, I’m still undergoing treatment and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It helped me not only cope better but also be more open to things like medicine. It also taught me that while my faith and relationship with Jesus is most important, it’s okay to seek professional help. There is a reason God provides us with tools such as medicines, therapies, and doctors. why?
Faith is not just praying and solving problems, but taking practical action. Sometimes that faith involves using the tools of this earth that God has blessed us with. And Jesus wants us to take care of our spiritual health as much as we care about our physical health.
If someone has cancer, we don’t tell them to just pray or trust God to heal them. We tell them to take chemotherapy and trust in God’s healing. Why are mental health issues different? Healing takes time. We need to remember that God can heal, but who’s to say that God can’t also use mud, spit, figs, and leaves (aka medicine, therapy, doctors, and coping skills)? Supporting our health means recognizing that healing may require emotional support and professional help.
Become an ally to the mental health of others
If you want to advocate for mental health, you too can be a mental health ally. You can check in on people who may be having trouble by sending a simple text like “How are you doing?”
You listen without judgment and encourage those who need professional help. For example, if a friend seems overwhelmed, gently suggesting resources such as a school counselor or therapist, and sharing your own experiences will make it a habit to ask for help. Of course, if you think your friend may be in crisis, it is imperative that you talk to a trusted adult or call 9-8-8.
Many of us have faced worry, sadness, and self-harm. Christians are not exempt from these struggles. I want you to know that I see you, I hear you, and I care. But anxiety does not mean a lack of faith. It means you are human. Faith includes taking care of our whole selves, including our headspace, and supporting each other with honesty and kindness. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but an immeasurable and powerful sign of strength.
As we move forward in our faith journey, let us remember that healing is truly a journey. It’s not a quick fix, but you can take it one step at a time.
This week, I encourage you to reflect on one way you can implement one of the habits I mentioned. It could be taking deep breaths, writing in a journal, or being an ally to your mental health. As you consider how to take action, remember Philippians 2:4: “Let each one look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others” (ESV).
With the power of Christ, we can build communities that support each other and defend the truth.
agape, amber
Photo credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/PeopleImages
Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up, Amber looked for resources on faith and mental health, but couldn’t find anything. Now, she gives hope to young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond just reading the Bible and praying more. Because even though we love Jesus, we can still be plagued by anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help you navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.
