10 Ways Christians Can Improve Their Mental Health
Emily Morgan from Best Daily Prayer is our guest author to share with us how to win the fight against your mental health with these 10 practical tips that will uplift your spirit.
How important do you think your mental well being is?
Be sure to take note of your response.
If you think it is less important than your physical well-being, that's false and this article will help clear that up if you keep reading on.
Your mental health has to do with the state of your mind. Your mind controls everything you think about, everything you do and say, or feel. Imagine the mental health of a person goes flop; every action, thought or emotion will go towards the same direction - downhill.
Seeing the strong importance of this powerhouse, it is key that we take special care of our minds just as we do to our bodies. But this is rarely done.
As Christians, the church scarcely speaks on the topic of mental health, making it difficult for people to reach out for help when in need.
Mental health should not be separated from Christianity. Neither should Christians shy away from topics geared toward taking care of their mental well-being.
This article is fully packed to educate you on what you should know about your mental health as a Christian.
Here's what this article will discuss:
Definition of Mental Health
Ways Christians can improve their mental health
Bible verses on Mental Health (very important!)
Disclaimer: Author of this article is not a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. The goal of this article is to see other christians happy and mentally stable. If you feel you need to see a doctor for further help, please do. You deserve it.
What is Mental Health?
Mental Health refers to emotional, social, emotional, and psychological well-being. It covers how we act, speak, think, feel, and react to the environment.
For better understanding, mental health is important just as physical health is.
It's the part of our complete well-being that many people can’t see. We can observe and take note of how well our body is with our physical eyes but we cannot say the same for our mental health.
Regardless of its invisibility, our mental health is still very fundamental.
Many christians in our churches are going through trials that they don't talk about. They may look happy and well-dressed but that is a very poor reflection of what is going on in their hearts and minds. If they can't share this problem with the body of Christ, where else is safe for them?
This calls for an intervention from the church of God. We, as a body, should support one another in love, casting our burdens upon each other's shoulders, giving each of us the support that all people desperately need to live fulfilled and happy lives.
10 Ways Christians Can Improve Their Mental Health
Here, there are 10 practical ways one can engage to properly manage their mental health as christians.
It’s good to recognize there is a problem:
Yes. It's perfectly okay to acknowledge when there is a problem. As the bible recommends, the truth shall set you free. Living in freedom starts by acknowledging the truth about any mental health issue you might have. If you feel you might not be okay, it's good. Start from there and seek help from the right sources.
Don’t believe everything you think:
Minds can be very tricky. And it's actually the most preferred point of attack from the devil. Since he is the father of lies, he chooses to fill the believers' minds with lies that do not exist. Instead of giving in to his trick, dwell on God's truth. Believe what God says and discard the devil's lies.
You deserve to get help:
Get help when you need to. And get help as soon as you can. You deserve it. Don't let anyone make you feel like you don't.
Don’t feel ashamed to get the help or medicine you need:
Shame is often associated with mental health issues. It seems as though one with problems with their mental health is not "okay" or "fit" to be in the society for a period of time. Shame would take you nowhere. Don't be ashamed to get whatever you need to fight that issue.
Journaling/Tracking your days will help you observe any patterns:
Journal makes a great first communion gift to properly document your daily activities for future references. This gift plus its usefulness would both help to improve your mental health.
Make a note of 3 things you are grateful for:
Ever heard of a gratitude journal? It's quite rampant these days, but for a worthy reason. Studies have shown that recognizing what you are grateful for would make you feel happier and contribute to healthier mental health. Why don't you start with 3 things you are grateful for today? It only takes 5 minutes to do so.
Pray and talk to God:
God cares about everything that concerns you, including your mental health. Don't hide it from Him. He wants to know how you are coping and what he can do to help. He sees your worries and even calls out to you to "cast all your cares on Him" (1 Peter 5:7). Talk to Him today. He's there to listen.
Eat nutritious food:
Do you know that eating real food the way God made it is a foundation of your mental health? Especially animal-based proteins which are full of the essential amino acids that make your mood-modulating neurotransmitters. You can substantially improve mental health through your dietary choices by eating more protein and less sugar.
Let people help you
You need others, your community, friends, and church brethren to help you. You can't do it all by yourself. This tip has to be included in addition to the others mentioned earlier, because of just how high it ranks on mental health pointers.
Allow yourself time to grieve your loss:
Anything worthwhile takes time. You are worth it and you deserve all the time you need to grieve your loss. Please let yourself rest in God's arms while you heal. It takes time. Don't be in a hurry.
Bible Verses for Mental Health
The following bible verses are pointers to how you should take care of your mental health. Don’t miss the words in bold. They are specific instructions you can act on now.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.”
Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
“Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”
“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
“Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”
“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Conclusion
Don't ignore your mental health for any reason. Remember, God is glorified through the thoughts you think towards him and about life in general. If you don't have a healthy mental life, how can your mind bring glory to God?
God loves you. God cares about you. And God thinks about you daily. He's constantly looking for ways to help you get the best in life. And that includes your mental health. Choose to believe His words about you and actively guard your mind with the tips provided in this article.