Christianity and Stigma Around Mental Health

What do you think of when the words “mental health” are used? Now think of what maybe your parents or grandparents would think when using these words. What thoughts come to mind? 

In generations past, there has been a negative stigma around mental health. This has drawn many people away from seeking help for a variety of issues. This belief largely came from a limited knowledge about the brain and mental health as a whole.

Psychology in itself is a new and developing area of science that has only really begun to grow in the last 100 years. Big names like Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung were only beginning their research in the 19th century. Back then, mental health treatment was primarily for severe and drastic cases, usually leading to being institutionalized.

A new view of mental health

We have come a long way from this kind of mental health treatment. Increasingly, we are seeing mental health as equally important to physical health. Research has even found how much physical and mental health are intertwined. This shows us the importance of paying attention to both. 

Christians’ views of psychology

We as believers have had our own difficulties recognizing the importance of mental health. People can make hurtful statements that write off real mental health disorders as “not trusting God enough,” or needing to “give the struggle to the Lord in prayer.” Maybe you’ve heard these, or even said them to yourself and others.

While these are good and necessary practices for our faith, we must notice the importance of pain. Many times pain, suffering, or symptoms of a mental health problem are a signal to our body and mind that something is off. We may notice physical symptoms of our stress before our mental ones or vice versa. Either way, they are a signal to us that we need to check in with ourselves.

Psychology as part of spiritual health

Christianity does not tell us to ignore our feelings and emotions but to look at them. These signals to our body, whether physical or mental, can be signs of spiritual struggle as well. But what does it really mean to look at our spiritual health? 

With emotional health, we may evaluate triggers, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. With physical health, we look at how our bodies are reacting to stress. In spiritual health, we examine our own theology of God and beliefs about His nature and assess whether these are true, good, and accurate to the gospel. Often we do this by looking at the way we grew up, our church background, and how we were taught about God. 

It may be difficult to truly understand your own theology. It might be uncomfortable to face, or it may even be so central to who we are that it is difficult to even begin to address. In these times, seeking a pastor, counselor, or friend may be helpful to truly dissect areas you may be struggling in your beliefs of God.

Jesus’ invitation into pain

One thing we do know is that Jesus himself did not shy away from pain. Next time you experience this pain—spiritual, emotional, or physical—respond to it. See it as welcome, an invitation to dive into deeper understanding, into a time to be reflective, and come to a greater understanding of yourself and God.