Mental health in the church

where in the bible does it say the regenerate suffer from mental health?

Ewan Lloyd said:

Firstly, I would like to introduce myself. I am a Christian and trainee psychologist based in the UK. I have intimate experience of the church and mental health.

Aside from my studies, I am very interested in the link between mental health (that is to say, mental health conditions/distress such as anxiety, depression or more enduring types - although these do not necessarily have to be diagnosed) and support from the church.

I think it is important that the voices of those with mental distress are heard and support is tailored appropriately in the church. What are people's experiences of struggling with mental health in the church community?

I am asking people who have experience (previous or current) of some form of mental distress and who identify as Evangelical, Born-Again or Pentecostal to take part in a 5 minute survey. The survey asks your experiences of being in church with mental distress and the level of support you received.

The link is below:

oxfordanthropology.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0quRKL8Vr8BDZGJ

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What an interesting study! I have posted this on my facebook acct and hope that reaches some more people for you. I hope you can post some of the results when you are finally finished, as that would be fascinating.

messianist said:

where in the bible does it say the regenerate suffer from mental health?

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When we become Christians does that mean we will never have problems with our health?

I tried to take part and answered some but I was obviously not interesting enough to continue (maybe because I didn't name a church???)

W2L said:

When we become Christians does that mean we will never have problems with our health?

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might be worth you reading the op again

messianist said:

might be worth you reading the op again

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Why is that? I did read it, and i tried to take the survey, but like another poster said, it didnt work for me. I have mental health issues, and i have had some good and some bad experiences with other christians. Some were loving and understanding, and that was helpful, but others were judgmental and expected me to be healed in some miraculous way and they questioned my faith which was very unhelpful.

I believe that the Lord can be our daily medicine. Not that im against takings meds, just that alone meds are not enough, IMO, im not a doctor or healer. Jesus can be our daily medication as we learn to trust Him, and as we realize that God is the only answer.

If only people could find peace and rest in the Lord. We must take things one day at a time. Sometimes we must wait on the Lord, like King David did, and like he tells us to as well. Some people think mental illness is not compatible with faith, but i think people who experience mental distress can get close to the Lord, where a person who has everything going good for them might not consider the Lord at all. All things work good for those who love God, even mental distress. In this way we can find hope and purpose for our infirmities.


Proverbs 30:8 Keep deception and [a]lies far from me,
Give me neither poverty nor riches;
Feed me with the food that is my portion,
9 That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?”
Or that I not be in want and steal,
And profane the name of my God.

Proverbs 27:7 A sated [a]man loathes honey,
But to a famished [c]man any bitter thing is sweet.

I have had my go around with mental disorders. Like a merry go round its a revolving door it seems and has quite distressed me in my faith. I wish I had the answers of why...

I wont take some survey just to benefit a seeker or whatever, just want to make it known people can and do suffer from things despite their faith or beliefs.

I find it curious the MODS moved this post to the Charismatic Forum... interesting choice of forums to move this to since there is a Mental Health forum in CF.... but oh well Im sure they have their reasons

Anxiety and depression are rampant in the church. Not on Sunday mornings, of course, just the rest of the week. Of course, the rates are about the same as non-Christians......which is still a lot.

There are many reasons for it, but one majorly overlooked reason is the consumption of drugs. Many many drugs have on the side effect list depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Things you would never think of like OTC pain meds. Anti-heartburn meds. Anti-smoking meds. Benzo's, Adderals, and the worst culprits are anti-depression pills.