Since you’re a part of the WeBLOOM community, I know how deeply your faith means to you, and how much your church community has been a source of strength, love, and encouragement. But when it comes to mental health, it can sometimes feel like the church doesn’t fully understand or acknowledge the weight of what you’re carrying.
You’re not alone in feeling this way. Many people, including those who love Jesus deeply, have struggled to reconcile their mental health challenges with their faith. So why isn’t mental health always taken seriously in the Christian church? Here are some possible reasons…
1. The Stigma Around Mental Health
For many years, mental health has been misunderstood. There’s often a stigma attached to struggling with anxiety, depression, or burnout. People sometimes view these struggles as a weakness, something that can be overcome with sheer willpower or “more faith.” But mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help for your mental health is not a sign of a lack of faith—it’s an act of wisdom and self-care.
2. A Focus on Spiritual Solutions Only
In the church, we often turn to prayer and scripture to find peace and healing—and rightly so! These are beautiful and powerful ways to connect with God and receive His help. But sometimes, the focus on spiritual solutions can overshadow the need for practical mental health support. While prayer is a vital part of healing, God has also given us resources to help us on our journey. These tools are not in opposition to faith—they can work together to bring holistic healing. God cares about every part of you, including your mental health, and He can use both spiritual and practical means to bring you healing.
3. Misunderstanding Mental Health Struggles as a Lack of Faith
Sometimes, in Christian circles, there’s a misunderstanding that mental health struggles—like anxiety, depression or burnout—are signs of a lack of faith. You might hear things like, “If you just trust God more, you wouldn’t feel this way,” or, “Pray harder, and God will take away your struggles.” While faith is incredibly important, mental health challenges are not about a lack of trust in God. You can love Jesus deeply and still experience anxiety. You can be a strong believer and still wrestle with depression. It’s important to remember that your struggles do not define your faith, nor do they lessen your value in God’s eyes.
The good news is that the conversation around mental health is slowly changing in many churches. More and more leaders are recognizing the importance of addressing mental health openly, with compassion and understanding. This shift is a reminder that God’s heart is for healing—whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental. He invites us to bring our burdens to Him, and He uses His people, His Word, and a variety of practical tools to guide us toward wholeness.
If you’ve ever felt like your mental health struggles weren’t taken seriously by your church community, I want you to know this: your struggles are real, and they matter. God sees you, loves you, and cares deeply about your wellbeing—every part of it.
With love and understanding,
Kiarra
P.S. If you’re looking for a community of Christian women who know exactly what it’s like to struggle with mental health, join the free, private community here.