Certain mental health organizations zero in on secular approaches. They can be useful resources since mental health diagnoses have their roots in biological conditions, such as genes and brain chemistry; and life experiences, such as trauma or abuse. And yet, they may speak of a “higher power” but leave it up to the individual to determine what that “higher power” actually is.
Any Christian knows this higher power is God, but knowing this fact can still leave believers and their loved ones struggling to understand mental health challenges.
“Certain churchgoers believe that behavioral disorders are caused by demonic possession or are a result of the person’s lack of faith,” as I wrote in my book Climbing out of the Darkness: A Personal Journey into Mental Wellness. (For instance, ‘If you had prayed more, maybe you wouldn’t feel this bad.’)
“While not as harsh, I experienced a similar reaction in a Bible study class. It was common to ask participants to pray for someone with a physical condition, such as an upcoming operation. But when a member brought up her mental problems, no one knew what to say and so very little was expressed or discussed. The person’s concerns were not ignored but neither were they validated. I could relate and thought to myself, ‘Hey, we’re hurting too, you know!’”
As opposed to a “one or the other” approach, it’s the blending of the psychological and the spiritual that made Fresh Hope for Mental Health so appealing to me when I joined a support group eight years ago. I didn’t want to join a group that focused solely on the secular, leaving God nearly, if not entirely out of the equation.
On the other hand, I had suffered from depression and anxiety long enough, and on a prescribed medication long enough, that I knew faith alone wasn’t the answer either.
While it is a Christian organization, Pastor Brad Hoefs stresses that Fresh Hope meetings aren’t “hyperspiritual” either.
“I’ve seen many people who have little to no faith, no faith at all, or even have a different faith, come and be quite comfortable, because, more than anything it’s a safe place,” explains Hoefs.
In fact, changing our thinking is both faith-based and scientific. Neuroscience researcher Dr. Caroline Leaf points out that the average person has more than 30,000 thoughts a day! Thus, negative thoughts have the potential to turn each day inside out. It’s no wonder that Pastor Brad says we need to watch how much we ruminate or what he refers to as “stinkin’ thinkin” or toxic thoughts.
How do we go about this difficult task? Scripture offers clues, and Fresh Hope for Mental Health tenets include this verse from 2 Corinthians 10:5. “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Is this easy? No. Does this take time? It sure does. From a faith perspective, Pastor Brad explains, “Toxic thinking needs to be taken captive, and in choosing healthy thinking and life-giving thoughts, choosing hope will grow your faith, increase your strength to believe, and ultimately change your brain chemistry.” I don’t know about the reader, but I’d much rather have positive brain chemistry than toxic thinking. Choose your thoughts wisely!
Wisely or not, since we are sinners, this remains an ongoing battle. Get better at your thoughts in one area, and the enemy is sure to strike in another. My current challenge involves focusing on positive posts, and spending as little time as possible on Facebook.
The popular social media platform has its good points. I’ve come across high school or college classmates I had not heard from in years. As an author, Facebook has been a great way for me to connect with people interested in purchasing one of my books. Online prayer requests also turn up regularly among Facebook friends and other contacts.
The bad part involves the namecalling and other political vitriol that shows up online – be it liberals criticizing conservatives, or conservatives blasting those with liberal thinking. Since the Bible says “judge not lest you be judged,” neither is a good idea regardless of one’s personal views on politics.
I am slowly understanding and following 2 Corinthians 10:5 more than I did a year, maybe even six months ago. Social media, of course, is but one challenge to mental wellness. It may be a different test entirely for someone else.
The point is, “You can’t keep doing things the same way and expect different results.” And so, if the reader finds that a certain approach to healthy thinking is not working, try a different strategy. Emotional outbursts are easy, but patience is difficult. We want a quick fix, but life does not work that way. Recovery amd mental wellness takes time.
Remember, we are all running a marathon, and not a sprint. Don’t we all want to be able to say what Paul the apostle stated, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy: 4-7).
Mike Jacquart belongs to a Fresh Hope support group and the author of “Climbing out of Darkness: A Personal Journey into Mental Wellness.” https://www.amazon.com/Climbing-out-Darkness-Personal-Wellness/dp/B0BQ58KJH4 A retired magazine editor, Mike enjoys sharing his story of “pushing through” on blog posts, podcasts, and other presentations. For more information, contact him at michaeljacquart8@gmail.com.
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