By Elizabeth Crawford
The study of mental health and the concept of protecting and bettering mental health is definitely not new, but something that has been examined more and more frequently in the last 100 years. The world continues to become more complicated and full of turmoil, and people’s response is clearly demonstrated in mental health data. Since 2020, anxiety and depression prevalence has increased by 25 percent across the globe. Suicide attempts and suicidal ideation are dramatically on the rise, even as the world continues to press people with constant stressors every day.
So what are we as Christians meant to do?
Remember that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.“
First, we must realize that mental health troubles are the result of sin, and all of us are poor, miserable sinners. The world is permanently scarred by sin, and mental health troubles are just some of the scars that the world carries. We as Christians should show compassion and understand that mental health troubles do not make people unworthy or unlovable. They – like all of us sinners – are created, redeemed, and called by a loving God. Those suffering need support more than ever during dark times, and belittling them or speaking to them without compassion may actually make their struggles even harder.
Remember to call on the LORD in prayer
If you or someone you love is dealing with mental health symptoms, do not forget to pray as we are reminded in Ephesians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Repeatedly and fervently cry to God, asking Him to deliver you or a loved one from struggles, if that is His will. And if it is not His will to remove the struggle, do not be afraid to ask Him for the strength to persevere.
Remember to ask others for help and support
Also, do not hesitate to reach out to others if you are struggling or supporting someone who is struggling. Reach out to your pastor, a family member, a trusted friend, or a counselor. God has placed these people in our lives to support us through our daily walk. In addition to calling on the Lord in our troubles, these neighbors can be the hands and feet of Jesus to our loved ones and us during hard days and easier times. Asking for help does not mean a person is weak or incapable. It actually shows strength to know that fighting hard days with support is better than fighting alone.
Mental health troubles do not make a person weak. They do not make a person unable to be forgiven. Mental health challenges are used by the devil to attempt to draw God’s children away from Christ, but through prayer and support, you or your loved one will get through these dark times until one day Christ comes again to bring us all home to heaven. We all stand before our Heavenly Father broken and sinful, but we are unconditionally loved by Him and set free from sin, death, and the devil because of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. None of us are worthy, but we are all saved because of the One who loved us enough to give His life for us.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or in crisis, confidential, free, 24/7/365 help is available by calling or texting 988.
Elizabeth Crawford is a junior at Concordia University, Nebraska, where she is double majoring in elementary education and music performance. She dreams of one day serving as a Lutheran Kindergarten teacher and professional musician.