The importance of one’s mental health cannot be overemphasized. Take it from someone like me who managed Bipolar Affective Disorder (a mental illness) for seven years. It is possible for one to be saved, physically fit, and still have mental disturbances. Although our bodies, minds, and spirits are interrelated, they are distinct in their functions. And the good news is – God is interested in every part of us; tissues, bones, conscience, thought patterns, body size, mental energy, hair growth, spiritual growth…every single part.
In today’s post, I have 3 goals to achieve.
- To bring to our awareness the fact that God is with us in the midst of every challenge, mental illness or not. He’ll never leave us nor forsake us.
- To drive home the need to cooperate with God so as to protect our mental health.
- To encourage individuals who are mentally healthy to be of help to persons who aren’t within their reach, and to kick against stigmatization.
The Prevalence of Mental Illnesses
According to MentalHealth.gov, mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being (social media on my mind 
) It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
The stresses of life we encounter on a daily basis when not properly managed can lead to mental disturbances such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, etc. Just this year, the number of COVID-19 cases, the unbelievable number of deaths related to the pandemic, loss of jobs, and collapse of businesses led to so much trauma and worsened the mental illnesses of so many individuals around the world.
The 2006 WHO-AIMS report claims that about 20 million Nigerians suffer from mental illness of which a good number of them go without professional assistance. This year, 18.57% of adults are experiencing a mental health illness, equivalent to 45 million Americans and 4.38% are experiencing a severe mental health illness. The data was given by Mental Health America (MHA). As individuals created by God in His image and likeness, there is no doubting the fact that God desires us to be healthy mentally, as well as physically and spiritually. Still, the opposite is the case in the lives of many individuals in our world today.
Some Scriptures That Speaks to Our Mental Health
God’s Word is our greatest need. It is more nourishing than our physical food because it not only feeds our spirits. It also transforms our minds as well as heals/energizes our bodies. Whatever we might be going through in life, however minute, however great – be rest assured that God is mindful of you and He desires the very best for you. Drink deep into the scriptures below.
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1: 7
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 2 Peter 5:7
Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
And to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, Ephesians 4:23
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. Psalm 34:17-20
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
The above scriptures are from the English Standard Version. Also, I emphasized some words to grasp your attention.
Guard Your Mental Health
The world is filled with circumstances and issues that have the ability to tamper with our minds. Still, we must never be wary or passive about what we let have entrance into our mental faculty. It is your duty to be watchful and intentional about what you let in your mind. The reason is – the enemy is one slimy trickster; if we give him one inch, he’ll end up taking a whole yard.
From the movies we watch, to the relationships we keep, the thoughts we think, the words we speak, and even the hours we sleep, we must consider the fact that the wellbeing of our minds are dependent on all these things.
There are few things I need you to take home with you even if you miss any other thoughts I shared on here.
To Protect Your Mind, Do the Following...
- Guard your thoughts with your entire life. This is because your life is shaped by your thoughts. Take time to think about what you think about. (Proverbs 4:23)
- The importance of meditating on God’s Word must never be underrated. Fill your mind with scriptures. Speak it to yourself. Hang it on your bathroom wall. Paste it on your bathroom mirror. God’s Word brings peace and reassurance of God’s promises.
- See a counsellor. Talk to a therapist. The word of God tells us that in the midst of counsellors, there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14) Counsellors are part of my mental health journey, one of the reasons why I’m now free from BIpolar Affective Disorder.
- Stop overthinking things!!! I’ll never say this enough. Once the thought or situation pops up; A) Talk to your Father in Heaven. B) Get two or more scriptures concerning the situation and weigh the situation against the scriptures. C) Get insights and take positive actions. D) Never cease to thank God in any and every situation.
Stop The Stigmatization: Mental Illness Is Not Madness
Some of us manage our mental health reasonably well. Unfortunately, some of us do not. This might to due to negligence and suppression of emotions due to the fear of stigmatization. The level at which mentally ill individuals are sidelined especially in West Africa is disheartening. For example, in my home Country Nigeria, the subject of seeing a Psychiatrist is one that majority who are mentally ill detest to talk about. You’ll hear responses like “God, forbid” as if it is a taboo. Also, if a person was found to be an out-patient of a Psychiatric Hospital, he/she will be labelled with madness. How degrading.
It is only right to be a safe space for people within our reach who are mentally ill. When last did you have a heart to heart talk with that friend or relation of yours who suddenly grew cold towards you and started avoiding your company? It may be that he or she is depressed. Life is hard enough. Do not add to the pressure by scolding them or being insensitive to their emotional needs. Pray for them.
Some mental illnesses are difficult to manage than others. If you have a friend or family member who needs help, get one. Read about their conditions. Get education from resources like Google, YouTube or even a Psychiatrist. Never make assumptions. The aggressiveness or sudden burst of anger displayed by that friend of yours might have deeper layers to it. Do not just arrive at a conclusion just yet. I’ll always advice that you make prayer to God your 1st option. Prayer changes things. It did the same for me. Thank God for counsellors, injections, and medicine. But you know the popular saying, “Doctors treat but only God Heals.”
Educate other people who are apparently ignorant of the need for protecting their mental health. Discourage people against stigmatization in your society. With your help, stigmatization in our society can be reduced to a great extent. While on Earth, Jesus went about doing good (Acts 10:38). As a follower of Jesus Christ, you should too.
Call To Action
If you are a visitor on this blog and today’s post enlightened you, consider subscribing to my mailing list for other exclusive benefits like my new ebook on how to shut the world’s noise and better listen for God’s Voice. Also, share this post with family, friends, and people who are part of your online community. You never know – you might be few clicks away from helping a mentally ill individual.
Lastly, if you’d like to share your mental health journey with me via email, I’ll be more than delighted to be a safe space by God’s Grace. Or you want to share your thoughts with me in the comment section? Please do. I can barely wait to read from you!
With love and passion,
This blog post is so well written Ashley. Super educative and interesting.
Thank you for using your voice and platform to speak for mental wellness and also capturing the stigma around mental health in Nigeria.
Dora, I’m glad you found it so. Thank you for reading through!