Christian Mental Health Help

Christians can draw on several resources, including the Bible and modern psychiatry and psychology, to help those in the Church suffering from mental-health issues. They consider both secular health care and Christian teachings gifts from God.

Principles

Christians believe that their entire minds and bodies belong to God. Ultimately, God wants everyone to be healthy and whole, although Christians recognize that it will never happen completely on this side of eternity. In Galatians 5:22, St. Paul considers mental attitudes such as joy, hope and self-control "fruit of the Spirit" and important to the Christian life.

People

Pastors and priests inspire mental well-being through their preaching and by acting as caring shepherds over God's flock, following Jesus as a model. Many churches, Christian organizations and Christian schools employ Christian mental-health professionals such as counselors and psychologists.

Organizations

The National Christian Counselors Association provides biblical training for Christian counselors in the United States and has a directory to help people find counselors in their area. In the Catholic Church, many archdioceses have their own programs and charities to support Christians with mental health issues.

References

• Bible Gateway: Galatians 5:22
• Bible Verses about Mental Illness
• Mental Illness Ministries

Resources

• National Christian Counselors Association