Exploring the Intersection of Faith and Mental Health
The intersection of faith and mental health has been a topic of interest and discussion for many years. For Christians, we believe that our faith can provide us with guidance and comfort during difficult times. However, mental health challenges can often make reconciling our beliefs with our struggles difficult.
Disclaimer: The material found on this website is not a substitute for professional advice, psychotherapy, diagnosis, treatment or psychological care. Content is for educational purposes only.
(This article is part of our Christian Counselling Calgary education material – More articles like this can be found here.)
Faith and Mental Health
As Christians, we believe that our faith gives us a sense of purpose and meaning in life. We believe that God is present in our lives and that we can find strength and guidance in our faith.
However, does being a Christian mean that we won't have mental health problems?
Unfortunately, no. Following Christ doesn't insulate believers from the struggles of life: mental health challenges are one of those challenges. However, following Christ provides believers with wisdom and guidance on how to allow God into those circumstances.
What are some biblical examples of God's people struggling with poor mental health?
The Bible is filled with stories of people who faced mental health challenges. King David, for example, struggled with depression and anxiety. In Psalm 42, he wrote, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?" (Psalm 42:5, NIV). Similarly, the apostle Paul wrote about his struggles with depression and despair in 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself."
These stories show us that some of the most faithful people in the Bible, filled with great power and faith, struggled with mental health challenges. However, they also show us that we can find hope and strength in our faith.
How does our Christian faith support our mental health journey?
Our Christian faith can support our mental health journey in several ways:
Provides hope: Our faith assures us of God's love, grace, and mercy, which can provide hope and comfort in difficult times. Sometimes, simply knowing that God is with us and for us can be what is needed to be resilient and persevering through challenges.
Offers guidance: The Bible provides guidance and wisdom on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. Following biblical principles such as forgiveness, gratitude, and kindness can promote mental well-being and foster healthy relationships with ourselves and others.
Provides encouraging community: Being a part of a faith community can offer social support, accountability, and a sense of belonging, which are all important for our mental health. At an informal level, this can look like a simple, vulnerable conversation with friends about struggles with anxious thoughts. On a more intentional, professional level, this can look like bringing a mental health professional into the discussion to gain insight into the root issue of the anxiety.
Promotes self-care: The Bible clearly encourages us to take care of our mental health (in addition to our physical and spiritual health). Consider Philippians 4:6-7:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
This passage makes it clear that anxiety (a symptom of poor mental health) is something that God does not want for us; however, there is ownership on our part to find ways of giving that anxiety to the Lord.
The Role of Christian Counselling
Often, however, we recognize signs of poor mental health in our lives (anxiety, depression, insecurity, overwhelming stress, etc.) and don't know how to address or resolve these issues.
Many of us have tried prayer, reading the Bible and other spiritual practices, yet still feel plagued by anxiety, depression and other mental health symptoms.
This is where Christian counselling can fit in.
Calgary Christian counselling provides a safe space to explore the intersection of faith and mental health. Christian counselling uses evidence-based practices (referred to as psychotherapeutic methodologies), such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to support an individual in managing or resolving mental health struggles.
Counselling can be beneficial for individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health challenges. It can also be beneficial for couples who are facing communication issues, conflict, or other relationship challenges.
Take Action: Connect with a Calgary Christian Psychologist
At Master's Counselling Calgary, our psychologists deeply understand their clients' unique challenges and how their faith journey may integrate into that.
We offer a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to counselling that helps clients integrate their faith into the healing process if the client desires this. Our psychologists use evidence-based techniques to help clients develop coping skills, improve communication, and build resilience.
Is it time to welcome Christian Counselling into your faith journey?
Disclaimer: The material found on this website is not a substitute for professional advice, psychotherapy, diagnosis, treatment or psychological care. Content is for educational purposes only.
(This article is part of our Christian Counselling Calgary education material – More articles like this can be found here.)
Matthew Swinamer is a professional engineer with over a decade of experience working across various sectors of the Canadian energy industry. He has been married to his wife, Heidi, for ten years, and together they lead Master’s Counselling Services, a faith-based counselling practice in Calgary providing a wide range of psychotherapeutic services, supporting individuals, couples and families in mental, emotional, and spiritual health. As a mental health advocate, Matthew is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in both faith communities and society at large, especially in male-dominated environments, industries and workplaces. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California, where he continues to explore the intersection of faith, mental health, and leadership. Matthew and Heidi live just outside of Calgary, Canada, with their furry ‘practice child’ Lily ( a seven-year-old golden retriever dog).