What is Mental Health?
Mental health is not just a concept but a crucial part of our lives. It allows us to think, feel, and act in a way that brings us complete well-being emotionally, physiologically, and socially.
A state of mental well-being allows us to make rational decisions, realise our abilities, learn something new, work appropriately in a work environment, contribute positively to the community, and build helpful relationships.
Difference Between Mental and Emotional Health
Mental health is about a person’s overall mental well-being. It includes clear thinking, making good decisions, and handling challenging situations. Emotional health is about managing and expressing one’s feelings and moods.
What Does Christianity Say About Mental Health?
There is a version of us God sees for us, and His will for us is to make us completely good. 3 John 1:2 (AMP) clearly states, “Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed in all things and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”
Good health includes our mental health too. God cares about our three-dimensional health – our spirit, soul and body. Sometimes, when we face a mental challenge, we tend to think that we are not good enough or we are falling short of God’s glory. But the truth is being a Christian doesn’t make us immune to mental health challenges.
Dealing with mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, burnout, stress, overwhelm, as a Christian is not a sin, and God is available to strengthen our hearts in our weakest moment
How Does Faith in Jesus Help During Mental Health Struggles?
God didn’t promise us a world without storms, but He promised to be with us in every storm (John 16:33). Faith in Jesus during mental health struggles helps us enjoy unfathomable peace in God’s presence.
Faith in Jesus during mental health struggles helps us to shift our focus from how big the problem is to the greatness of our God. Focusing on Jesus stirs up within us the God-kind of faith that is able to bring down the mountains of problem(s).
Read What does the Bible Say About Mental Health
Practical Ways To Improve Your Mental Health
Facing mental health challenges can feel like a lonely battle, but there are practical steps you can take to navigate through these tough times:
Prayer
Prayer isn’t just a box to tick off our to-do list. It’s a conversation with a God who listens and cares. The scripture says in 1 John 5:14-15, “Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. “And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for”
When you pray, open your heart to Him and then He will listen and answer. Prayer helps us remember that God is with us every step of the way.
Building Community
Isolation can make our struggles feel even heavier. Being part of a supportive community can truly lighten that load.
At Sycamore Church, our life groups are more than just meetings—they’re havens of support, and love where we can share our burdens with people like us, and find strength.
In these groups, you can share your experiences, receive encouragement, and find friends who will stand by you through thick and thin. It’s in these connections that we realize we don’t have to face our battles alone.
Practicing Gratitude
The devil is very skilled at making us see the things God has not done for us and make us sad about them. Meanwhile, God has done more significant things in our lives than we can count.
So we have to be intentional about documenting the things we are grateful for. It could be how someone gifted you a pair of shoes, paid your fare, sent you an encouraging text message, gave you a warm hug or listened to you.
As Christians, we must always practise gratitude to improve our mental health. You can decide to keep a gratitude box or jar or dedicate time in your space to dancing and worshipping God.
Seeking Professional Help
There is absolutely no shame in seeking help from mental health professionals. Therapists and counsellors offer tools and perspectives that can change lives.
Your faith and professional help aren’t at odds—they actually complement each other beautifully. It doesn’t make you any less faithful to God either, it’s a brave and important step towards healing. Sometimes, the guidance and support you need come through the wisdom of a counsellor.
You Can Find Hope and Healing Together
Mental health challenges are part of being human, and as Christians, we’re no exception. It’s okay to admit that life gets overwhelming sometimes. You don’t have to feel guilty or less faithful because you’re struggling.
This is a reminder that God is for you and at Sycamore Church, we are a family, not a crowd. If you’re struggling with a lot on your mind and heart this season you can share here and expect a response from our counselling team.
You can also join us online for our ongoing series on emotional and mental health.
Written by Adeola Oke and Oba Lewis
Edited by Oluwadamilola Odunfa
Adeola, Oba and Damilola volunteer with the Content Team at Sycamore Church.
(Blogposts are creative expressions generously provided for Sycamore Church. The ideas and thoughts do not necessarily represent the position of Sycamore Church)
