The Bible is full of people living very human lives. Even in settings that might look very different from the modern day, the people in both the Old and New Testaments dealt with struggles that feel familiar today—financial hardships, relationship troubles, and yes, even mental health challenges.
While the Bible doesn’t use terms like “mental illness,” it does speak to the experiences of people who struggled with symptoms that may have been related to mental health. Over and over, we see examples of individuals who faced difficult emotions, trauma, and other struggles. In fact, some of the most powerful stories in the Bible are about people facing and overcoming major challenges.
At Honey Lake Clinic, we fully integrate Biblical principles into our evidence-based approach to treatment. If you’re looking for Christian mental health treatment, we’re ready to help—just call 888.428.0562 today.
David and Depression
David, the shepherd boy who became king of Israel, is often referenced as a man after God’s own heart. He wrote many of the Psalms in the Bible, and some of them are raw and vulnerable expressions of his struggles. In Psalm 42, he writes, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?” (Psalm 42:5 NIV).
While we can’t know for certain what David was struggling with when he wrote this Psalm or others like it, it’s clear that he experienced deep emotions and turmoil at times. This echoes many modern-day experiences of depression—the feeling of being overwhelmed and not understanding why.
Even in David’s darkest moments, he always turned to God for strength and hope. In the same Psalm, he writes, “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:11 NIV). This is a reminder that even when we feel lost and alone, we can find comfort in turning to our faith.
Job and Trauma
The story of Job is one of the most well-known examples of trauma in the Bible. In a series of tragic events, Job loses his wealth, family, and health. As a result, he experiences deep grief and despair as he struggles to understand why these things are happening to him. The book of Job is a powerful example of someone experiencing profound trauma and questioning their faith in the midst of it.
However, even in his darkest moments, Job never loses faith in God. He cries out to Him for answers and eventually finds comfort and redemption in His presence. This serves as a reminder that even when people face unimaginable pain and suffering, a relationship with God can provide strength and hope.
Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh
In 2 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul writes about a “thorn in the flesh” that he asks God to remove from him three times (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 NIV). While we don’t know exactly what this thorn was, many scholars believe it may have been related to a physical or mental health condition. Despite his prayers, God does not remove the thorn from Paul.
Instead, God tells him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). This is a powerful reminder that even when people struggle with challenges like mental illness, God’s strength and power can be revealed through weaknesses.
Jesus and Anxiety
Jesus was fully God, but he was also fully man, and he experienced emotions just like we do. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced an overwhelming amount of anxiety and fear as he prepared to face his crucifixion. In Matthew 26:38, he says to his disciples, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (NIV).
Despite his trust in God’s plan, Jesus still experienced intense emotions. He opened up to his disciples and prayed to God for strength and guidance in the midst of this anxiety.
What We Can Learn from the Bible About Mental Illness
While there’s no end to what we can learn from the Bible about mental illness, some key takeaways include:
- Mental illness is a part of the human experience and has been for as long as humans have existed.
- People in the Bible experienced emotions like grief, anxiety, and despair—these are not signs of weakness but rather part of being human.
- God’s presence and love can provide strength and hope even in the darkest moments.
- Reaching out for help and support is not a sign of weakness but rather a courageous act of self-care.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness, please know that there is no shame in seeking treatment. At Honey Lake Clinic, we offer faith-based treatment for all types of mental health conditions in the peaceful setting of our lakeside facility. Call 888.428.0562 today to learn more.
