Maintaining Mental Health

There is a lot of talk about mental health these days.  I am not claiming to be an expert in this field, just a person with thoughts to share on what I have learned.  I am not a doctor, therapist, or counselor.  Mental health issues can be difficult to diagnose.  Unlike a tumor in your body, a doctor cannot simply take a biopsy of your brain and test it for issues.  Mental health seems to be very closely tied with our spiritual and emotional conditions as well.  For example, depression is considered a mental health condition, but it has a profound impact on emotions as well.  I also believe that our society has so dismissed the supernatural that we encounter people dealing with demon possession and believe it to be a mental health issue.  This is obviously not always the case, and I am not saying that all people struggling with mental health issues are demon-possessed. I don't believe that it should be completely dismissed as an option, especially when the issue causes a complete alteration of a person's mental state or personality.  However, I believe demon possession is a spiritual health issue, so I would like to focus specifically on mental health.  So here are my thoughts on how we can maintain our mental health.

I believe we should always measure any issue we face against Scripture.  Search God's Word and find what He has to say about our circumstances or thoughts.  For example, Jesus addresses worry and anxiety in Matthew 6:31-34 which says, "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."  We are told to seek God and trust Him to provide for all we need.  I am someone who likes to be in control.  I like to form a plan, follow the plan, and achieve my goals with everything going as planned.  That, unfortunately, is not how the world works.  Things rarely go perfectly according to the plan.  I must constantly remind myself that God is in control.  Things may be outside of my plans, but they are never outside of God's plans.  He knows what will happen and what we will need no matter how unprepared we feel in a moment of seeming chaos.  I can boldly accomplish my goals or face failure knowing that God is in control.  Nothing is a surprise to Him.  Seek the counsel of Scripture to help you in the areas where you are weak.  

Jesus established the Church for His glory and the proclamation of the Gospel.  However, he also tells us not to forsake meeting together and to encourage and build one another up in the faith.  This life was not meant to be lived in isolation.  Not only should we seek Scriptural counsel, we should also seek the godly counsel of other Christians.  Find a more mature Christian and ask them to mentor you and teach you.  Find comfort and strength in the body of believers around you.  When you are suffering, let the church suffer with you and build you up in Christ.  When someone is dealing with something like depression, for example, it is easy to push people away.  It is easy to want to be alone, stay alone, and shun anything that requires extra effort, like getting dressed and going out.  I see a great example of good friends in the stories of Winnie the Pooh.  Eeyore may be someone classified as depressed.  He is definitely someone who looks from a more pessimistic view.  Yet he is always included.  His friends don't let him stay at home without a tail.  They all come around him and form a game to find his tail.  They invite him to their feasts, even if he shows up to Thanksgiving with thistles.   Allow the Church to do that for you.  However you are struggling, do not push away the very ones God has given to you for edification and encouragement!

It is okay to talk about your struggles with others.  Express your emotions, tell your troubles, and seek help when you feel overwhelmed.  I am someone who often suppresses feelings, and this is not a healthy way of dealing with emotions.  My husband is great at drawing me out and making me face my emotions and talk about them.  It is a much healthier approach.  It is also helpful to have a husband that I trust in whom I can confide.  Sometimes, even if you and your husband have an open and honest relationship, you need some professional help you.  Find a counselor or therapist that you can trust who will give you advice in accordance with Scripture.  In some cases, medication may be necessary.  While I tend to avoid chemical interventions, sometimes it can be a helpful way to help us through a mental illness.  I would, however, urge you to be cautious and fully aware of all possible side effects.  Some medications are safer and less addictive than others.  Also, do not neglect the counsel of the elders of your church and a godly older woman who can serve as a mentor.  Our struggles are not new and unique to us.  There are others who have gone before us who have faced similar circumstances or struggles.  They can serve as help in our journey.

No one should feel like they are struggling alone.  Mental and emotional health is important and should be maintained.  When we face mental illness, rather than being embarrassed, we should seek help, just as we would for any physical ailment.  Our mental health can even affect our physical health!  Continue to go back to God’s Word and check your thoughts and emotions against Scripture.  Be sure that the advice you receive is in accordance with Scripture.  Rely on the Church to be there as a source of teaching and edification so that you can continue to walk in a way that brings glory to God no matter what circumstances you may face.