By Vincent Lim
Mental health and emotional well-being are critical components of a healthy and fulfilling life. Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which a person realises their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and can make meaningful contributions to their community. Emotional well-being, on the other hand, relates to our ability to manage and cope with our emotions, including those that may be difficult or painful. Both mental health and emotional well-being are vital for overall well-being and a fulfilling life.
As a society, we have made great strides in understanding and treating mental health issues. The field of mental health has evolved significantly in the past few decades, with tremendous attention being given to the need for psychiatric treatment, medication, psychotherapy, and counselling to alleviate various psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar and personality disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, despite these advances, there is still a significant struggle amongst individuals to overcome their mental health challenges, for example, after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Often, multi-layered treatment is best because multiple systemic factors may contribute to mental illness. Thus, while medication, psychotherapy and counselling can be beneficial, there is another solution that can be considered to aid in the process of healing: the Christian faith. The role of faith in mental health is a topic that has garnered significant interest over the years. Studies have shown that faith plays an important role in overcoming mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and stress. People turn to faith for comfort, hope, and guidance in times of difficulty, and this can have a positive impact on their mental well-being. In this article, we will explore the role of Christian faith in overcoming mental health challenges.
The Christian faith provides a sense of hope and comfort. It teaches that even in the darkest moments, there is a way forward and instils hope and optimism in individuals. Believers often find solace in knowing that God is guiding and supporting them through life’s trials. This hope can alleviate feelings of despair and helplessness, promote a positive outlook and foster mental resilience. In Psalm 139:13 & 16 (NIV), David wrote that God created our “inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb” and that “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” In Ephesians 2:10 (CEB), Scripture informs us that “we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things.” The knowledge that God created us, that we are His accomplishment, and that He knows us intimately can be a source of comfort for those who are struggling.
The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who faced seemingly insurmountable challenges and emerged victorious through faith. Through the Bible, Christians encounter stories of people who experience mental health challenges. These stories provide insight into the ways God helps people overcome their mental anguish. Jesus healed people suffering from many mental issues. His approach to healing included prayer, compassion, forgiveness, and the restoration of relationships. This offers a source of hope for those struggling with various mental health challenges and can be particularly crucial for people struggling with depression or suicidal ideation. The Bible reassures, “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18, NIV).
Nevertheless, spirituality and mental health have a bidirectional relationship. One’s faith can impact one’s mental health and, in turn, mental health challenges can impact one’s faith. When faith and spirituality are approached in a healthy way, they can be a tremendous source of comfort, peace, hope, and strength.
Meaningfully, Jesus himself spoke about the importance of the mind in relation to our relationship with God. In Mark 12:30 (NKJV), Jesus said, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Additionally, Proverbs 4:23 (CEB) states, “More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.” This demonstrates how critically important our minds are in our spiritual journey and well-being. The Bible challenges believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2, NKJV), which is an essential component of recovery from mental health issues such as cognitive distortions or irrational thoughts. Furthermore, Scripture also encourages Christians to develop a positive mindset and attitude towards life. Philippians 4:8–9 (NKJV) encourages Christians to dwell on positive things such as truthful, lovely, and praiseworthy things. This can help individuals direct their focus away from, for example, negative and discouraging thoughts which can lead to depression.
One of the ways that the Christian faith can help combat mental health issues is by providing a profound sense of purpose and meaning. Feeling that one’s life is meaningful, that one belongs to and serves a community, and that one’s struggles—though painful and unbearable in the present—have a purpose can be incredibly healing. Believing in a higher power or a greater purpose can help individuals find solace in difficult times, providing a framework to navigate life’s challenges and setbacks. This sense of purpose can foster resilience and give individuals a reason to persevere, even in the face of adversity.
The Bible teaches that every person is created in the image of God, with intrinsic worth and dignity, has a divine purpose, and is loved unconditionally by God. Recognising this truth and identity in Christ is the foundation for mental well-being and can help combat negative self-talk and low self-esteem. Thus, Christians are called to love their neighbours as themselves, promoting compassion, empathy, and respect for others. By acknowledging and valuing the worth of self and others, individuals can cultivate healthy relationships and build a supportive community.
Christianity fosters a sense of community and fellowship within its congregations. Churches often provide a supportive network of individuals who genuinely care about one another’s well-being. This sense of belonging is invaluable for those struggling with mental health issues such as depression and loneliness. The support and encouragement from fellow believers can alleviate feelings of isolation and provide a safe space for sharing struggles and seeking guidance. The power of community can create a sense of shared responsibility, ensuring that no one faces mental health challenges alone. Engaging in activities such as attending worship services and participating in organised activities such as life groups, bible studies, having fun outdoors, or joining community events can enhance social connections and combat feelings of isolation. The shared beliefs and values within these communities create a sense of belonging, reducing the risk of depressive symptoms and promoting overall mental wellness. Pastors, clergy members, and trained para-counsellors are available to offer guidance, prayer, and lay counselling services. Additionally, seeking professional help when needed is not a sign of weakness but an acknowledgement of the importance of holistic healing.
Importantly, Christianity also promotes the concept of stewardship, emphasising the responsibility to care for one’s body and mind. Physical health is closely interconnected with mental health. Christians are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle practices, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, sufficient rest, and avoiding harmful substances. Prioritising self-care and establishing healthy boundaries enables individuals to maintain balance and reduce stress. One way of looking at overall well-being is through the lenses of the Biological-Psychological-Social-Spiritual (factors) model. This model recognises that a person’s health is not influenced by one factor alone and has been used as a comprehensive approach to assessing and treating various health conditions, including mental health disorders.
Prayer and meditation are essential spiritual practices within Christianity that contribute to mental well-being. Prayer allows believers to communicate with God, finding solace, strength, and guidance in times of distress. It provides a means to release burdens and find peace (Matthew 11:28–30, NIV). The importance of prayer as a means of healing and comfort cannot be overstated. Christian faith encourages individuals to pray to God about their mental health challenges such as stressors and anxieties. This serves as a means of releasing the pain and suffering experienced by the affected person, and it can also help with closure when the challenge is difficult to overcome. Meditation on scripture encourages reflection, leading to spiritual growth, emotional healing, and clarity of mind.
Equally important, Christianity teaches the power of grace and forgiveness. Holding onto grudges, guilt, or shame can be detrimental to mental health. Forgiveness has been found to be the cornerstone of many successful therapeutic interventions, whilst unforgiveness can lead to depression, anger, and bitterness. Christians are called to forgive others, as it is a way of imitating God’s love. Forgiveness helps individuals to move on, reduces stress, and eliminates the burden of negative emotions. Embracing God’s grace and forgiveness allows individuals to let go of past hurts, heal, and focus on personal growth. By extending grace and forgiveness to others, Christians promote mental and emotional healing, cultivate a culture of compassion, and build healthier relationships.
About Vincent Lim
Vincent Lim holds a Masters in Counselling from HELP University and a Bachelor in Applied Science (Physics, Hons) from University Sains Malaysia. He is registered and licensed with the Malaysian Board of Counsellors and is a clinical member of the Malaysian Marriage and Family Therapy Association. He practices at Abri Integrated Mental Health (Est 2018), where he is also one of the co-founders and Directors. Besides being a Certified Coaching and Mentoring Professional, he is additionally a certified PREPARE/ENRICH facilitator. He has worked with teenagers, young adults, couples and families. Prior to being a professional counsellor, he spent 20 years in engineering and the corporate world, and was formerly a board member of the National Association of Christian Counsellors (NACC) Malaysia. Vincent is married to Jenny Ooi and is blessed with two children. They attend DUMC.
