Just ahead of World Mental Health Day this coming Thursday (Oct. 10), it’s nearly impossible to overstate how critical it is to prioritize self-care.
According to the National Institutes of Health, one in five adolescents in the United States suffers severe impairment or distress from a mental disorder. Often, these teenagers and their families feel isolated and alone, not knowing where to turn for help.
It’s not just young people, of course.
Mental illness is still stigmatized to a degree that hinders many people from seeking treatment or receiving the support they need. At times, Christians can feel especially isolated and alone. Those who struggle with depression often feel isolated and ashamed. Admitting to feelings of despair within a community of faith often leads to judgmental attitudes or well-meaning Christians who suggest that depressed people “choose joy” or “pray more.”
But what are believers with depression to do when God doesn’t ease their suffering?
Originally published in Higher Ground. | 
