According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness in the United States 1 and 5 adults experience mental illness each year, 1 and 6 youth experience mental disorders each year, and 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
You can have faith in God and go to therapy. Everyone has mental health and we need to pay attention to it. Therapy is investing in you; it doesn’t mean you’re a bad Christian. You're the only you that you have, the longest relationship, and the best thing you can do is take care of you. Jesus is our number one healer but just as He provides medical doctors for physical health He also provides us with therapists and counselors for our mental health. Therapy and counseling is a gift from Jesus.
In the church there is a stigma when it comes to seeing a therapist. Some Christians think that you should only rely on God and His power, we don’t need anything else.
Some may think going to a therapist or taking medication for mental health issues is weak faith. But it is dangerous to think that way. The bible says we also need each other along the way. God may be leading you into joining a support group, individual therapy, talking to friends, or taking medication. It can save your life. God wants you to be whole. If it takes therapy to make you whole and what God made you to be and you having a peaceful mind.
Then it’s okay to have Jesus and a therapist too!
If you are longing for healing for mental health seek God in prayer first with an opened heart and mind. Then seek counseling wherever God leads you. Getting help is not a sign of weakness it’s a sign of courage.
Thinking more positive, making your mind still, and giving forgiveness. Getting your love right, by taking care of your mental health. What we think influences our emotions and the way we think gives us peace.
Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” -Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV
So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ” -Luke 10:27 NKJV
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. -Philippians 4:8 NKJV
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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. -Psalms 37:7 NKJV
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. -Matthew 5:6-7 NKJV