Why Mental Health and Jesus are Not Mutually Exclusive

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Discussing mental health and Jesus has become a much broader conversation and I am so grateful how others are normalizing the topic. Being able to share bouts of depression, anxiety, and everything in between is not only helpful it is extremely freeing. Especially in the faith community, where therapy almost seemed ungodly rather than seeking wise council. As someone who has benefitted from Christ-centered professional therapy personally, I know there is value in it. I also can confidently say that you can love Jesus and be actively seeking therapy – they are not mutually exclusive. Especially as we step into almost a full year of a drastic change in our everyday lives. It is vital to develop how to guard and support your mental health daily.

Guarding your mind is not something to take lightly.

Did you know that there are over 40 scriptures that specifically address our minds. Scripture speaks about the power of where our minds are focused, because our actions follow suit. Our mental health and what we center our attention on is important to God. That’s why we’re encouraged to transform our minds daily and center them on those things that are true, noble, right. Because our minds and thoughts precede our actions and dictate much of how we see the world around us. The notion that mental health and Jesus don’t mix isn’t accurate.

With all of the current negative information that inundates us, it can be really difficult to protect your mind emotionally, mentally, and physically. I’m sure you have felt the tense anxiety after reading headlines, the isolation of being home more, and the fear of unpredictable personal circumstances. More than ever I’m constantly redirecting myself to maintain my personal joy and a healthy mind.

“The advice I’d give to somebody that’s silently struggling is, you don’t have to live that way. You don’t have to struggle in silence. You can be un-silent. — Demi Lovato

I believe that mental health care and a relationship with Jesus go hand in hand. For too long mental health issues have been seen as results of hidden sins or a lack of trust in God’s abilities rather than real conditions. So many times people have stayed silent or afraid to share that they are seeking counseling, because the stigma may mean you don’t know God well enough.

Can I tell you that you don’t have to struggle silently? That God is very much concerned with you completely, and that His form of help and support may look like more than just fervent prayer. We all need support and therapy is not outside of that.

Not only can you actively be in the Word, praying, staying connected to healthy council – you can be seeing a therapist. If no one has ever told you that, I want you to be encouraged as you read those words.

Find the right mental health support

There are so many counselors and therapists out there and it can be overwhelming, but it is not impossible. Oftentimes when someone has shared failed experiences with therapy, it’s because they didn’t find the best fit. I cannot encourage you enough to take the time and begin the journey of finding a counselor that will partner with you.

If you are in Georgia, I would recommend checking out Ray of Hope Counseling Services. Ray of Hope is a group of counselors and psychotherapists committed to helping individuals feel better. With 8 locations all over Georgia, like their therapy in Peachtree City – they work together to provide each client with the support you need in a safe and confidential environment. They offer multiple sectors of therapy to include Christian counseling, couples therapy, and even tele-counseling during the pandemic.

We all need someone that has the tools to support us beyond ourselves. This includes the tools for our mental health as well. I do not believe that Christ is separate from mental healthcare, but in fact He encourages us to make it a priority. If your support comes from your community that’s awesome, but if you need more than just a friend to vent to do not discount professional counseling.

I’ve benefited from therapy personally and it’s strengthen my personal growth in Christ. I know it can do the same for you.