LIBERTY UNIVERSITY JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
A Christian’s Perspective on Mental Health
A Paper Submitted to
the Faculty of the School of Divinity
in Candidacy for the Degree of
Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (Ed. D) Department of Christian Leadership and
Church Ministries
By
Mary Gracias
Lynchburg, Virginia
10/2022
A Christian’s Perspective on Mental Health
W hat is the view of Christians on mental health? Is it okay to seek help when you need it
or is it a lack of faith?
Faith and Health
What is the view of Christians on mental health? Is it okay to seek help when you need it or
is it a lack of faith? As a Christian, I was taught that faith and prayer could provide strength and
comfort in difficult times, however I have come to the realization that this also applies to
mental health as well.
Mental health is something that’s often stigmatized in our society, and for that reason, we
usually feel that admitting that we have a problem will make us look weak or that it is
something we should be ashamed of, and that is just not the truth. The truth is, mental health
issues is something extremely common, with statistics showing that 1 in 5 Americans suffer
from some form of mental health problem, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health
(NAMI).
“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to
call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus Christ – Mark 2:17
So, what does this have to do with Christianity? Well, I believe that faith can play a huge
role in helping us to cope with mental health struggles. Whether it’s through prayer, reading
Scripture, or simply having a community of believers to support you, faith can provide a source
of strength and comfort that’s hard to find anywhere else. For example, I have a friend who was
going through a tough time, and instead of looking for help to deal with his depression, he
decided to use alcohol to cope with his feelings—making things worse than they were.
But as time went on, he realized that things were not getting better, so he finally decided to
open up to his church community, he was surprised by how much support and love he received.
They prayed for him, checked in on him, and even helped him to find a therapist. It was through
his faith and the support of his community that he was able to start getting better. Now, I know
that not everyone shares my beliefs, and that’s totally okay. But I hope that by sharing my
perspective, I will be able to help others that might be struggling to take the first step and show
that faith can be a powerful tool against some mental health problems like anxiety, stress, and
depression.
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…” The Apostle Paul – 1
Thess 5:11
Faith and Mental Health
For most people, it’s easy to focus solely on the physical and emotional aspects of mental
health, but the spiritual aspect is just as important. Spirituality can provide us with a sense of
purpose and meaning, which can be incredibly helpful for people struggling with mental health
challenges. It can also provide a sense of hope and peace, which can be difficult to find
elsewhere. Christianity particularly provides comfort to people that are struggling because it is
full of stories of people who have overcome struggles and found hope in their faith.
“O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over
me.” David – Psalm 25:2
One example is King David who faced many difficult challenges throughout his life.
However, probably one of the most difficult ones was when he was on the run from King Saul,
who was trying to kill him. During this time, David was constantly on the move, living in caves
and hiding, and suffered from loneliness and uncertainty, but throughout it all, David never lost
faith in God. As a Christian, I believe that faith can make a real difference in helping us cope
with the problems we have to face in our daily lives.
Christianity’s Role
As I mentioned before, faith can be a source of strength, comfort, and hope in times of
difficulty, helping individuals to keep pushing forward, however, faith can also be a tool to help
us heal and find peace. So, how exactly does Christianity play a role in the recovery process?
Let’s take a closer look.
The Power of Prayer
One of the most powerful ways that Christianity can help us heal is through prayer. When
we pray, we’re not just talking to God, we’re also strengthening our faith and our connection
with Him. And when we pray for healing and wholeness, we’re aligning our thoughts and
desires with God’s will for our lives. This can bring a sense of peace and comfort that you won’t
find anywhere else in the world.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be
healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16
Strength in the Word
Another way that Christianity can play a role in the recovery process is through the power
of God’s Word. When we read scripture, we’re not just reading words on a page, we’re hearing
the voice of God speaking directly to us. This can be incredibly comforting and inspiring,
especially when we’re feeling lost or discouraged. And as we study God’s Word, we can learn
more about His character and His love for us, which can give us the strength and hope we need
to keep going.
Christian Community Support
Finally, Christianity offers the support of a community of believers. When we’re going
through a tough time, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone. But when we’re part of a
Christian community, we have others who are walking the same journey with us, who can offer
encouragement and support. This can make all the difference in the world when we’re trying to
heal and recover.
Additional Advice
While faith can be a great tool to deal with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health
struggle, it’s important to take care of yourself and look for professional help when needed.
Mental health challenges can be complex and overwhelming, and it’s okay to reach out for
additional support, in particular Christian counselors, so here are some tips and advice that
have helped me and many others in my journey towards mental wellness:
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” David – Psalm 56:3
Seek Professional Help
There’s no shame in seeking professional help when dealing with mental health issues.
Whether it’s a therapist, a counselor, or a doctor, working with a mental health professional
can help you find the tools and strategies you need to overcome your struggles and find
healing.
Take Care of Your Physical Health
Your physical health and well-being play a critical role in your mental health. Make sure
you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and staying physically active. This will help you feel
better and be more equipped to face the challenges of mental illness.
Practice Gratitude
Focusing on the things you’re thankful for, no matter how small, can help shift your
perspective and bring peace to your mind and heart. Keep a gratitude journal or simply take a
few moments each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess
5:18).
“…giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.” The Apostle Paul – Eph 5:20
Connect with Nature
Spending time in nature has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and
well-being. Take a walk, go for a hike, or simply sit outside and enjoy the beauty of God’s
creation. Allow yourself to be refreshed and recharged by the peace and stillness of the natural
world.
Remember, recovery is possible, and with the right support and resources, you can find
hope and healing. Don’t give up hope, and know that God is with you every step of the way.
