The beautiful part of mental health healing is that it happens in pockets. You watch yourself heal, observe how you relate with family and friends, and notice your interactions with everyday activities improve.
If you are healing right, you will develop more empathy for others and might even teach others what you are learning along the way. Sometimes, it may feel like you are diagnosing other people around you, recognizing patterns in their behaviour that mirror your own experiences.
You become more confident talking about mental health. It no longer feels like a strange illness, and you stop stigmatizing others on their journey or as they heal. Healing fosters greater love for God and others.
The Bible offers relatable examples of individuals who faced mental health struggles, showing that these challenges are part of the human condition. Consider Martha, who experienced anxiety in Luke 10:38-42. She was overly concerned with ensuring everything was perfect when hosting Jesus. Yet, all she truly needed was to sit at His feet. This resonates with those of us who strive for perfection, often at the cost of missing the beauty of the present moment. The preparation never ends; sometimes, it's better to enjoy the time with our visitors.
Elijah’s story reflects the depths of depression. After leading the Israelites back to God by proving the futility of Baal worship, he faced Jezebel’s wrath. Threatened with death, he fled to the wilderness, overwhelmed by exhaustion and loneliness. He even begged God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4). Today, this could be likened to suicidal thoughts and depression, issues that mental health professionals recognize and treat.
Cain’s story highlights anger management struggles. His unchecked anger led to the murder of his brother Abel (Genesis 4:8). Anger itself is not a sin—as noted in Ephesians 4:26—but how we manage it makes all the difference. In today's world, Cain might face legal consequences, but the root issue of anger is universal. Anger can hurt others, make us sad, and instil fear in those around us. Addressing anger healthily is critical.
Naomi’s grief after losing her husband and sons shows the isolating nature of sorrow (Ruth 1:20-21). She even urged her daughters-in-law to leave her. Yet Ruth stayed, offering care and support when Naomi needed it most. Grief often pushes us into isolation, but it’s precisely when we need connection and support. If you’ve suffered any kind of grief, find listening ears to share your pain, and be a shoulder for others in their times of need.
Even Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, struggled with addiction. His obsession with women led him to marry 700 wives and take 300 concubines. These relationships distracted him and eventually led him away from God, as he was influenced to worship false gods (1 Kings 11:3-4). Solomon’s unchecked desires mirror modern addictions. Whether it’s substances, habits, or behaviours, addiction is a mental health issue that requires attention and healing.
As you reflect on these stories, remember that mental health struggles are not unique to our time. They’ve been part of human history, and the Bible offers solace and lessons for those navigating their journey. Healing is a process that involves empathy, connection, and, above all, grace—for ourselves and others.