Mental Health in the Church: Breaking the Stigma
Addressing anxiety and depression from a biblical perspective. Why 'just pray more' isn't always the answer.
For too long, the church has struggled to address mental health with the nuance it deserves. Well-meaning believers often offer spiritual solutions to what are complex biopsychosocial challenges, leaving those who struggle feeling ashamed and alone.
This report examines how churches are beginning to change their approach, integrating professional counseling with pastoral care and creating communities where it's safe to not be okay.
The Biblical Case for Mental Health Care
Scripture is full of examples of godly people who struggled with depression, anxiety, and despair. Elijah asked God to take his life. David cried out from the depths. Even Jesus experienced anguish in Gethsemane.
"Seeking professional help for mental health is not a lack of faith—it's an acknowledgment that God works through many means, including medicine and therapy."
Practical Steps for Churches
Churches that are making progress in this area share several common practices: they train leaders to recognize warning signs, partner with licensed counselors, and create support groups for specific struggles.
Most importantly, they normalize the conversation by talking about mental health from the pulpit and in small groups, reducing the stigma that keeps people silent.