Mental Health

A question came to me as follows:

"Where's a good chapter in the Bible for mental health? I been kinda depressed from what's all been going on w me."

My response:

Thank you “Brother.” I'm glad “you” want to look to the Bible for answers. I'm sure my other brothers can also provide biblical answers that will be helpful. I'll give my approach by first defining ‘mental health.’ It is ‘A state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society, and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life.’ Your friend's ‘depression’ isn't necessarily a mental health problem but most likely a ‘focus problem.’ The things going on ‘with’ him, in his mind, whatever they may be, are probably common nuisances, especially if they are persecutions. While those things are real, he needs to align his thinking with biblical teaching, as we all need to continually do. I believe the following passages are helpful:

Psalm 16:7-9

Psalm 26:2-3

Isaiah 26:3-4

Romans 12:1-2

Philippians 4:4-8

Colossians 3:1-3

1 Peter 1:13-16

1 Peter 5:7

Hebrews 12:1-2

Each passage helps a person focus his mind on God which strengthens his faith no matter what he sees with his physical eyes. Focusing on God leads to praising Him - "I will exalt You, my God, the King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable" (Psalm 145:1-3).

God may not move our nuisances away, but He will use them to mature us and will help us manage and overcome them (Romans 5:1-5; James 1:2-8).

1 Peter 4:12-16 teaches us that even our persecution is for God's glory, something else to keep in mind. The passages are only helpful if a person knows Christ, believes His word, prays "without ceasing," and walk by faith. Those things help me in my walk with Christ, and I hope they will be helpful to ‘you.’ ‘You’ don’t need to worry about mental health because worry can lead to mental health problems. ‘You’ should focus on your Creator, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Blessings!”