Mental health issues affect more people than we often realize, yet they rarely get discussed in religious settings. Too often, those struggling with mental health challenges feel they need to put on a brave face at church, pretending everything is fine when it isn’t. If we can’t be honest with each other in church, where can we be honest?

The Reality of Mental Health Challenges

Mental illness is incredibly common. In fact, it’s the number one cause of disability in North America. According to current statistics, about 25% of American adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder within any given year. Look around your church, your workplace, or your family gathering – chances are, several people you know are currently struggling with mental health challenges.

Some have called mental illness “the disease without casseroles.” When someone has surgery or physical illness, communities often rally around them with meals and support. But when someone is struggling mentally, they often feel abandoned and forgotten. It’s a hidden illness, yet it’s more prevalent than we might think.

Continue reading → DEEP CALLS TO DEEP: A Faith-Based Perspective on Mental Health and Depression