There is a lot of misinformation concerning mental health getting spread around social media. It works its way into conversations with friends, opinions shared through news outlets, and it can even be propagated from our pulpits and Bible studies. Misinformation, falsehoods, and lies keep us trapped and prevent true healing from taking place. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

All Truth is God’s truth. Christians should never fear, run from, or suppress the truth in any way. Only by facing the truth can we begin to experience true freedom and healing. In this series, I’ll share several truths, backed by Scripture, concerning mental illness. Together we can begin the journey of healing!

TRUTH #1: Mental illness is real and there are scientific explanations and research-based treatments.

Many people grow up in churches that don’t acknowledge mental illness as a real condition, or they speak of it only as a spiritual matter that can be prayed away. But would we ever tell someone with cancer or broken bones to just pray about it without seeking medical help? Of course not.

Mental illness is a medical condition with scientific foundations. We have learned so much over the last century about mental disorders, mental health, and brain function. Our brains are the most complex organisms in the known universe—as David writes in Psalm 139:13-14: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

While we are complex organisms and the pinnacle of God’s creation, things can still go wrong. Brain conditions can be detected through medical technology like CAT scans and MRIs. Mental illness is indeed “all in your head,” not in the sense that you’re making it up, but because it involves real physical and chemical processes in your brain.

TRUTH #2: Mental illness is not (always) caused by sin.

Many well-meaning Christians approach those with mental health issues by suggesting there must be unresolved sin in their lives. This mirrors what Job’s friends did when disaster struck him—they sat with him for a week, which was good, but when they opened their mouths, they wrongly suggested Job must have done something to deserve his suffering.

Jesus addressed this misconception directly. When his disciples saw a man blind from birth, they asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?” Jesus responded, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him” (John 9:1-3).

We must not blame victims. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders are not sins—they are realities of living in a broken, fallen world. And remarkably, God’s glory can be displayed through these struggles.

TRUTH #3: You won’t find healing if you don’t acknowledge the problem.

Mark 2:17 records Jesus saying, “It’s not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Often, the only thing preventing us from receiving healing is our own pride. We don’t want to face the reality of what’s happening inside us. We prefer to pretend everything is fine or blame others for our problems.

Real-world application: Listen to those who know you best. I personally didn’t seek counseling for my anxiety until my wife forced the issue, insisting I find a doctor or consider medication. Like many men, I was stubborn, but acknowledging the problem was the first step toward healing.

TRUTH #4: Jesus can help you carry this burden.

One of the most comforting passages in Scripture is Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus invites us to lay our burdens at his feet so we can manage them together. He offers rest for anxious minds, depressed moods, and racing thoughts. When we lean on him, he helps us bear our burdens.

TRUTH #5: There is hope.

Clinical research shows that more than 80% of people with depressive disorders improve when they receive appropriate treatment. Without proper treatment, the outlook isn’t as promising—struggles tend to persist. But with the right help, things generally improve.

Jesus reminds us in John 10:10: “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy”—which feels like the reality of depression, where joy is stolen, hope is killed, and the future seems destroyed. But Jesus continues, “I have come so they may have life and have it in abundance.” Jesus wants us to experience healing, hope, and abundant life. He wants us to overcome life’s struggles with him by our side.

TRUTH #6: You’re not alone.

Mental health challenges are far more common than we often realize. Many people in our communities have experienced seasons of depression or have loved ones who have. We’re called to support each other as Galatians 6:2 teaches: “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

If you’re carrying the burden of mental illness, confide in someone you trust. Reach out to friends, family, church leaders, or mental health professionals. Don’t carry your burden alone—we’re here to support and carry each other through life’s hardest moments.

Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3 of this series, where we’ll explore more truths about mental health and faith.

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