Anxiety in the Bible – Matthew 26: 36-46

³⁶ Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” ³⁷ He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. ³⁸ He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

³⁹ He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

⁴⁰ Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? ⁴¹ Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

⁴² Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away^[f] unless I drink it, your will be done.” ⁴³ When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.

⁴⁴ So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. ⁴⁵ Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴⁶ Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”

Matthew 26 gives us a glimpse into some of the emotions Jesus experienced in His final days. After the Last Supper, He led His disciples to Gethsemane to pray. One must truly take time to imagine the heaviness of Jesus’ feet, the tightening in His chest, and the shortening of His breath before the cascade of events leading to the fulfillment of prophecy. He was literally carrying the weight of the world on His shoulders. Inevitably, this triggered His anxiety. 

Clinical Signs of Anxiety Disorders

The World Health Organization describes anxiety as intense fear and worry about a specific situation or everyday situations. Everyone experiences anxiety throughout life, and to some extent, it is normal and healthy. Anxiety can motivate us and keep us safe through our fight-or-flight response.

However, in people with anxiety disorders, this fear is heightened and disrupts daily tasks. It becomes debilitating, interfering with one’s ability to function in their personal, social, and work life. Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are some common forms of anxiety disorders.

Symptoms of anxiety disorders include irritability or restlessness, difficulty concentrating, sleeping too much or too little, muscle tension, and anxiety or worry on most days. 

Throughout the gospels, we can see how Jesus’ behavior aligns with common symptoms of anxiety.

Jesus experienced faith and fear like many of us. He was tasked with saving us all, knowing that many of us would reject Him because of our stubbornness. That caused great anxiety. As His followers, it’s comforting to know that He cares about our fears and wants to carry all our burdens. He also gives us the strength to weather the storm. Luke 22:43 NIV says, “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” Always remember that you are never alone in your anxiety. 

Our resources tab has information on where you can access help and support based on your needs. For example, you can find therapists, psychiatrists, Bible app plans on mental health, or call the National Suicide and Crisis lifeline at 988.

The post Anxiety in the Bible – Did Jesus Experience Anxiety? appeared first on CMHI.

Certain symptoms include changes in appetite or sleep, feeling tired or having decreased energy, having trouble concentrating or making decisions, or thoughts of suicide or death.

My Personal Experiences with Seasonal Depression

I’ve also been feeling the effects of seasonal depression lately, especially in feeling lethargic for most of the day, experiencing significant changes in my sleeping routine, and feeling the weight of grief as I reflect on experiencing another holiday season without my grandfather. 

Even in learning how to manage seasonal depression, I’ve found that there are spiritual practices that can help with finding hope in challenging times. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by symptoms of depression, I read the book of Psalms in the Bible.  The book of Psalms is an Old Testament book and the first book in the third section of the Tanakh. The psalms are heartfelt prayers to God by various psalmists, including King David. The structure of the psalms highlights the importance of cognitive reframing,  a tool that is used in cognitive behavioral therapy, and it involves identifying and changing how you view situations, events, and events. 

Through David’s vulnerability with God in the psalms, cognitive reframing is happening during the prayer. David started in a distressed state and ended with more confidence, knowing that God is with him in those challenging times. There are five specific Psalms that highlight the character of God during grief and the hope that can help us to persevere in our trials due to our connection to God. 

We can share our grief with God (Psalm 42) 

Psalm 42 shows us that we can share our grief with God. King David explored this notion of being vulnerable with God about our grievances when he writes, 

“ As the deer pants for the streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Where can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, Where is your God?  

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why are you so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalm 42:1-3, 5 ESV

These verses show that David longed to seek God in the midst of his trials and that he knew that God would be there to hear his cries for help. These verses also show that David was not afraid to share his emotions with God. As he stated in the third verse, “ My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, where is your God?” This level of emotional vulnerability is how David was able to access the throne room of God in order to gain comfort. By the end of the psalm,  David realizes that even in his lowest moments of grief that God is his Savior and that He gives him the hope that he needs to keep moving forward. 

God is our Comforter (Psalm 31)

Psalm 31 exemplifies God’s character during grief. This psalm shows that God is our Comforter and that He is willing to help us in our time of need. David also highlights this when he writes, 

“ In you, Lord, I have taken refuge. Let me never be put to shame. Deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me. Come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name, lead me and guide me. I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction, and you knew the anguish of my soul.” – Psalm 31:1-3,7 ESV 

These verses show that God is a comforter who knows about our afflictions and is  a shield for those who are brokenhearted. God not only knows our challenges, but He sees our anguish, and He is there to guide us through processing our distressing emotions. Psalm 31 shows that  even when it seems like He’s distant, even when it seems like we can’t hear His voice, God is there in the midst of our pain and suffering.

God is compassionate during our grief (Psalm 27) 

Psalm 27 highlights God’s compassion towards us during times of grief. God’s compassionate nature is exemplified through the following verses, 

“ The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, It is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear. Though war break out around me, Even then, I will be confident. Hear my voice when I call, Lord. Be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, Seek his face. Your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me.” – Psalm 27:1-3, 7 ESV

This psalm highlights the fact that God  expresses compassion for those who are broken hearted.  Sometimes when we go through strenuous situations, it could be hard to even fathom that we could go to God about these situations. Even in David’s moments of doubt and anguish, he still recognized that he could turn to God because God would be compassionate towards him. The very end of the psalm says that David is confident that he will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living, and all that he needed to do was wait on the Lord. 

These three psalms not only helped David reframe his view of God, they also helped me to  recontextualize my view of how God shows up for me in my moments of grief. The psalms not only helped me to  understand what it means to be comforted by God, but they also helped me to realize that even in my doubts, anger, or grief, God was there to give me strength during those challenging moments. 

 Reading the Psalms gives me a new level of hope because not only do I know that I can bring my grievances to God, it also shows that God is with me every step of the way. The psalms also show that God is my comforter, my keeper, He’s compassionate, and that He protects my heart during these trying times.

More on the Blog…

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Elijah’s Story in 1 Kings

1 Kings 18 provides context for Elijah’s struggle. The people had turned from God again and were worshipping Baals. So, as He had done many times before, God sent Elijah. Elijah gathered the people on Mount Carmel and called for a “battle of the gods.” The prophets of Baal would sacrifice to their gods, and then Elijah would sacrifice to the one true God.

The one caveat?

They could not light a fire. That would be provided by the gods. The prophets of Baal cried out all day, performing numerous rituals to win the favor of their gods, but despite their efforts, there was silence. No fire came.

Then, it was Elijah’s turn. He built an altar and had water poured over it three times. He cried out to God, saying, “Let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant,” and fire came down from heaven. The altar was consumed, and the people fell down and worshipped God. 

That night, Elijah killed all the prophets of Baal. One would think this should be the highlight of his career. But Jezebel heard what Elijah did and said to him in 1 Kings 19:2, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” Elijah became afraid and ran for his life. While this may not be where his mental health challenges began, this is where the spiral accelerated. As we read on, we begin to see Elijah display classic signs of depression.

Recognizing Signs of Depression

The mnemonic SIGECAPS is often used to highlight the symptoms of depression. The letters stand for: sleep, interest, guilt, energy, concentration, appetite, psychomotor retardation or agitation, and suicidality. These are all things that can result from or be impacted by depression. Let us examine Elijah’s behaviors as described in 1 Kings 19 and see how they align with symptoms of depression. 

Sometimes, we find ourselves in similar predicaments to Elijah. We burn out, exhausted from the trials of life. We lose our spark and our will to live. Throughout the rest of the chapter, we see God remind Elijah that he is not alone. He reminds Elijah of His presence in the still, small voice and tells him that there are many others who do not worship Baal. Elijah did not overcome his depression alone, and we do not have to either. In addition to prayer and leaning on our spirituality, we can find professionals to help guide us through difficult seasons. My prayer for you is that you find hope in Elijah’s story and feel less alone in what you are going through. 

Our resources tab has information on where you can access help and support based on your needs. For example, you can find therapists, psychiatrists, Bible app plans on mental health, or call the National Suicide and Crisis lifeline at 988.

More on the Blog…

The post Elijah, A Depressed and Suicidal Prophet appeared first on CMHI.

Why Does Seasonal Depression Happen?

Seasonal depression, often linked to shorter days and less sunlight, affects many people during the colder months. Also called Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), it’s a form of depression that tends to surface in late fall or early winter. While less sunlight is often a key trigger, holiday expectations and social pressures can worsen feelings of sadness or isolation.

For some, like myself, the constant reminders of love and togetherness—especially in those 30-second jewelry commercials that pop up around every corner—can strengthen feelings of loneliness. But it’s not always loneliness that brings on the blues; it can be stress from family gatherings, pressure to spend, or a general sense of being overwhelmed by all that the holidays demand.

Recognizing Symptoms of Seasonal Depression

It’s important to recognize the signs so you can address seasonal depression early. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Low energy or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in sleep patterns, like sleeping too much or too little
• Changes in appetite, often craving carbohydrates or “comfort” foods
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

These feelings might be subtle, but if left unchecked, they can lead to deeper issues. Awareness is the first step in managing them.

You may find this additional resource from CMHI helpful in evaluating your symptoms.

Tips for Handling the Holidays with Hope

Even if this season brings its share of challenges, there are ways to infuse hope and joy into it. Here are some practical steps to help you navigate this time:

1. Focus on Giving Rather Than Receiving:

Shifting your focus to helping others is a great way to lift your spirits. Volunteering at a local shelter, reaching out to those in need, or simply bringing joy to someone else can be incredibly rewarding. This mindset helped me transform my loneliness into a time of giving and reflection.

2. Celebrate the Reason for the Season:

Rather than focusing solely on holiday traditions, embrace the spirit of gratitude. I began to find comfort by celebrating Christ and His love. Try to turn your attention to all of God’s blessings. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to assume a posture of praise and focus on problems at the same time. For access to Bible reading plans focused on themes like hope, peace, and overcoming anxiety, perfect for strengthening faith in difficult seasons, check out YouVersion’s Bible Plans. These are some that I have written that you may find useful (https://www.bible.com/organizations/e96235dd-1056-4c8b-bc7c-a9557b20241b).

3. Lean on Scriptures for Strength:

God’s Word can provide comfort and reassurance. Some scriptures to meditate on are:

• The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
• “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
• “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Let these verses remind you of God’s constant presence and love for you, even during difficult times.

Tips Continued…

4. Stay Active and Engaged:

Physical activity, even a simple walk outside, can make a significant difference. Spending time in nature, seeking out sunlight when possible, or even exercising indoors can boost your mood. Activities like cooking, crafting, or reading can also be comforting and allow you to focus on something enjoyable.

5. Try Therapeutic Techniques:

Consider setting aside time for self-reflection, journaling, or deep breathing exercises. These practices can help ground you when emotions run high. Therapy can also be a valuable resource; talking to someone about your feelings and finding new coping mechanisms can be transformative. Please check out the resources that CMHI provides.

6. Incorporate Prayer Into Your Daily Routine:

Pray for strength, joy, and peace throughout this season. Taking time to connect with God, even if just a few minutes daily, can center you and bring calm to overwhelming days.

A Simple But Powerful Prayer

Lord, I am grateful for my life and all that You have done for me. I must admit that I am struggling, and I need Your strength. I know that You are close to the brokenhearted. I know that I can cast all of my cares on You because You care for me. Please give me rest from feeling weary and burdened. Help me see Your light shining in my days. In the Precious Name of Jesus, Amen.

The holiday blues can feel all-consuming, but with understanding, patience, and practical tools, we can manage these feelings. Whether you’re navigating loneliness, holiday stress, or simply the impact of shorter days, know that you are not alone. God is with you, and He has placed you exactly where you are meant to be, even during challenging times. Embrace the small victories each day brings, lean on the support of loved ones, and remember that brighter days are ahead.

Depression Symptoms and How to Cope as a Christian

Holiday Blues Advice: Conquering Christmas-Time Sadness

The post Hope for Holiday Blues: How To Combat Seasonal Depression appeared first on CMHI.

Whether this is the first blog you’ve stumbled upon from CMHI or you are part of our very growing family, I’m sure you’re aware of the impact depression and anxiety can have on a life. Sometimes we are momentarily sad or looking for peace, but when it affects our daily lives, we must face the reality that something is more serious and needs to change. Depression and anxiety tend to run together but can exist alone as well. Every day, the world gets more comfortable with the understanding that maintaining mental health is important and requires commitment. As Christians, we not only struggle with maintaining our mental health similarly to anyone else, but we also struggle with choosing the appropriate tools to manage it whether it be through medication, therapy, relying solely on God through the bible, or a combination of these.

The purpose of this blog is to increase our repertoire to manage depression and anxiety by adding scripture. As Christians, we are blessed to have the bible as an additional weapon to fortify us alongside medication, community, and therapy, and would be unwise to not utilize it to the fullest.

What Does The Bible Say I Do To Fight My Anxiety And Depression?

When entering any fight, after acknowledging the enemy, in this case, the depression and anxiety that may be overwhelming, a game plan must be developed.  

 Mark 9:24

The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

• Not only do we have to believe that we will come out to the other side, we need to ask God for help to do that.

 Luke 6:28

“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

• Unfortunately, sometimes we are our own enemies. Understanding that there is a real battle between our flesh and our spirits gives this verse a whole deeper meaning. If our bodies are the ones mistreating ourselves, we need to pray for them just like we would pray for someone else being mistreated by another individual.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

• What we continue to obsess over in our minds, leads our lives. Make sure what you think about is excellent and praiseworthy!

Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

• What a clear command of how we are supposed to live!

Psalm 42:11

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

• It’s okay not to know why you are feeling how you feel. Just know that the Lord is here through it all and we can put our hope in him.

How Do I Know Jesus Hasn’t Left Me Alone To Deal With My Anxiety And Depression?

Alright, so we’ve come up with a game plan, but maybe it’s not working how we expected it to. We can start to doubt the plan, believe the enemy is greater, and even start to think that our great leader Jesus has abandoned us to fight this battle alone. If there is one message that is clear as day in the bible, it is that God will NEVER forsake his children. Sometimes we simply need some reminders that he won’t.

Deuteronomy 31:8

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

• Though you may feel alone during this time, remember that with the Lord as your father, you never truly are.

 Psalm 9:9

 “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”

Psalm 34:18

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

 Psalm 34:17

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

• Even your secret thoughts are heard by the Lord when you are too still to speak.

2 Corinthians 12:9

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Matthew 7:7-8

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Continue seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

• Persistence in the fight is required and will be rewarded.

Mantras To Give Peace During The Storm

Now we’ve come to a harder place in the fight. After naming the enemy, coming up with a plan, and renewing trust in our leader, we realize that we must go out and fight the enemy. Building the courage to withstand the battle isn’t easy, but reminding yourself that you can win the fight will always help. Hide these verses in your heart, write them on post-it notes, and stick them in places you always walk by, set daily reminders in your phone to present these verses to you. Whatever or however it needs to be done, start proclaiming your battle cry.

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

• You will conquer this!

Psalm 3:3

 But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

• You are not alone!

Psalm 30:11

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,”

• You will see the other side of this battle!

Psalm 91:1

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

• You will enter his rest!

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

• What you are going through will NEVER be bigger than the Lord

How Do I Know God Will See Me Through To The Other Side Of This?

Sometimes, even with all the above steps, we come to this last question “How do we know we’ll make it through?” This question is completely normal when all we can see immediately is the destruction that anxiety and depression bring and the lack of peace that follows. But, what we can’t see is the future, and staying in this place of hurt believing nothing will get better WILL make that a reality.

Psalm 139:2, 7

“You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away…I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence.”

• No matter how dark the anxiety or depression gets, the Lord will always be near.

 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

• Your story will end in victory so you can share your story with someone else and bring them to victory

Trusting God

We must trust that our God today is the same God that brought the Israelites out to the other side of the Red Sea. Reminding ourselves that that is the God we serve will give us the hope and peace needed to know that we will see the other side no matter how dark our surroundings look right now.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

• The future brings a better reality.

Psalm 40:1-3

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.

• You will be restored one day!

More on the Blog….

CMHI wants to be a resource center for anyone who is questioning which way they should go when caring for and cultivating their mental health. Through our website’s blog, we have addressed:

What depression can look like:  Depression Symptoms and How to Cope as a Christian

What anxiety can look like in the context of our relationship with God : Improving Anxiety by Relying on Your Faith in God

How to decide if you need therapy: Do I need therapy?

What a Christian’s view on therapy can be: Should Christians go to therapy? What does the Bible say?

The importance of spirituality when dealing with mental health: Spirituality and Suicide Risk: Why We Need Each Other

And even…

Suicide: Suicide in the Bible: Elijah the prophet with suicidal thoughts

Bible Verses For Needing Hope

Bible Verses for Self-Confidence: A Christian Perspective

The post Bible Verses Against Depression and Anxiety appeared first on CMHI.

I started 2023 just like everyone else, wanting it to be a better version of the year before. But, I had also started it being in a valley that I refused to acknowledge. My mental health, which I had been trying to convince myself was fine, was crumbling faster than I could put it back together. To make matters worse, because of the academic goals I had to reach, I didn’t perceive that there was time to fix it or even address it, a thought I had been loyal to since undergrad and never changed.

But finally, at the start of 2023, it became quite evident that there was no achieving any academic, let alone personal, or spiritual goals without a stable place in my mind. So, only to achieve what I thought was the most important thing in my life at that time, my academics, did I reach out and schedule a mental health appointment. I was attempting to fool myself into believing that I was taking the proper steps to care for my mental health, but it would have been only long enough for me to return to being productive in my academics. Months later, the realization that I didn’t even truly try to find help for my benefit and true state of well-being wrecked me. This was when I had to acknowledge the gravity of my valley.

The Valley Was Created Slowly

Rome was not built in a day. Just the same, my depressive state had been stewing for quite a while. I can’t recall the gradual decline that had brought me to the point. Like so many others, once you are in a rut, all you see are the walls. But God is there even when we can’t see, feel, or even acknowledge Him. My depression was largely based on my inability to accomplish progress in three areas of my life: academic, spiritual, and personal. My personal goals had always been at the bottom of the list and the first that lacked any achievement.

As a child, academics and spirituality were always emphasized, so I had not found a way to accurately incorporate personal well-being into the mix. Next, my spiritual life began wavering. It isn’t uncommon for Christians to go through times where they feel super connected to just blah in their walks with the Lord. I had been feeling blah for so long that another day where I felt unconnected didn’t make me strive to reconnect with the Lord as it had before. This left academics as the last of the three pillars. The rigors of medical school and my doubts about my intelligence became my strongest adversaries, leading me to fail in exams and feelings of worthlessness in the only area of my life that I had left to provide accomplishment. With that, I concluded that there was nothing left for me.

Once you are in a rut, all you see are the walls. But God is there even when we can’t see him, feel him, or even acknowledge Him.

Resets Don’t Need Everything Figured Out

I remained in this valley for several months. My mind just kept repeating, “We have to make it. We have to make it. We just have to make it to the next day, month, anything.” My blessing in disguise was a mandatory personal leave from school. Even at this point, with all thoughts of self-preservation gone, I was angered because I thought a break would be more days where I would be barely just making it. But as I was nearing the start of my break, I realized that God was telling me I didn’t have to just make it so I could be refreshed. During this time, I could focus on the other two areas of my life, personal and spiritual, before returning to academics.

At first, I had a million plans. I still have a million plans and am proud to say I’m OK. Even though I haven’t accomplished them all, this thinking took months. Through continued mental health appointments, medication, being honest with myself and with God, and countless conversations with my friend about the nitty gritty of everything I felt, I was able to understand grace from myself to myself, and that’s where everything began.

Space for Grace

Grace meant that I could be honest about the rigid boxes that were holding me back. It meant I could ask my friend to check in on me and be honest with her if I hadn’t moved from my bed all day. It meant leaving the house to pick up food was an acceptable form of growth compared to the day before when I probably didn’t eat. There were still days that I was frustrated or wasn’t happy with where I was. But I also realized that I wasn’t the Sariane that I was three months before. I had found a way to climb out of the valley without realizing I was climbing. I had found a way to reset without the need to start at perfection. 

Not The Mountain Top, But Also Not The Valley

I’d love to say that I have reached 100% achievement in all three areas of my life that were once plaguing me into darkness. I have not, but being okay with that is something I never thought I would ever get to be. As I prepare for my mandatory break to be over, I realize that I’m in a place I never thought I would be in. I make time for myself and the things that I enjoy. I no longer avoid Sunday services or music that reminds me of the Lord. And I’m planning and accomplishing academic goals without a debilitating fear that I am unintelligent or unprepared.

The Lord is My Shepard

I wouldn’t be here without my Lord. He truly is my shepherd. He leaves the 99 to search for us (Matthew 18:12-14), knocks at our door and waits for us to open (Revelations 3:20), and sends people to be his mouth, his feet, and his arms when we need the support (1 Corinthians 12: 12, 18, 27). I know it’s hard to rely on the Lord or have a good thought when nothing seems right. Some days, the only thing that brought me through was that I was breathing automatically because the Lord designed me to. I think He knew that we would choose to stop breathing if we had the chance.

So He designed it so that every breath would be literally from him (Genesis 2:7). And if we can’t even breathe without it being from the Lord, what makes us think we can do anything without him? What made me think I had to have it together before returning to him? I did not enjoy my journey, but if it helps another person find their way out of the valley, I’ll keep praising the Lord all the way to the top of my mountain.

More On The Blog…

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Jesus Saves Us Into A Community

The oft-repeated Lord’s Prayer begins like this: “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.” (Matthew 6:9 KJV) Do you notice anything just absolutely remarkable about this line? There is so much to say here, but for now, I’d like to draw your attention to the first two words: “Our Father.” The Bible says that when you pray, go “into your room and shut the door” (Matthew 6:6) and then say … “Our Father.” But, if we are praying alone, where is this “Our” coming from? We are called to pray “Our Father” because Jesus saves us individually and into a community with other Christians. You are not alone. And with our increasing isolation and negativity in the social media age, this community may be the exact answer we need for our loneliness epidemic.

Encouraging, Vulnerable, Committed Community

The number of people experiencing mental health challenges is increasing. [1] Meanwhile, Americans are reporting having historically low numbers of close friends, and most do not receive emotional support from a friend during the average week. [2] The Bible has just the answer for these problems—Jesus saves us into an encouraging, vulnerable, committed community.

Three Components of Biblical Community

First, we are saved into a Christian community, a global church, that will help “restore” us with a “spirit of gentleness.” (Galatians 6:1) This is to encourage us so that we can build each other up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) 

Second, we need not be afraid to reveal our transgressions, our faults, and our iniquities. Rather, we are called to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) To bear one another’s burdens, we must know one another’s burdens. We must know what’s actually going on in each other’s lives. This is admittedly tough, and being vulnerable is hard. But, in doing so, we can take heart in discovering a community that actually understands the real us. 

And finally, not just any community. A “household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). Generally, we don’t just abandon our households and our families. Despite the growing pains, our differences, and our conflicts, we stick with them. Jesus calls us into a heavenly community that will stick with us, too. Yes, despite our flaws, Yes, you. 

Conclusion

Today, let’s radically reimagine what a Christian community can be. Perhaps the answer to our loneliness has been Jesus and His church all along. Are you ready to take the plunge, or are you still hesitant and unsure? Come and see for yourself.  

I pray that this month the Lord would fill you with all joy and peace in believing, and that you would feel the gentle and loving embrace of an encouraging, vulnerable, and committed Christian community.

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References

[1] Gramlich, John. “Mental Health and the Pandemic: What U.S. Surveys Have Found.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 2 Mar. 2023, www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/03/02/mental-health-and-the-pandemic-what-u-s-surveys-have-found/. 

[2] Cox, Daniel A. “The State of American Friendship: Change, Challenges, and Loss.” The Survey Center on American Life, 7 Apr. 2022, www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/.

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Personally, a lot of my stress comes from not being able to manage a situation. If I can understand what’s needed and provide it, then I am in control. If not, it’s “the end of the world”. Proverbs 3:5-6 is a reminder that this exact philosophy is probably why I’m stressed.

Give your stress to God

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Surrendering our worries to God and acknowledging His sovereignty allows us to release the burden of stress into His capable hands. But, like most things, this is easier said than done. How do I release anything when I’ve only ever practiced holding it? Through therapy, I’m learning one way to find my relief that I would recommend you try. List all the worst-case scenarios and deal with them one by one. It allowed me to realize that everything can go wrong a million and one ways, and surprisingly, it was what I needed to release the situations and associated pressure. How can we truly control everything if there is always a new way for things to go wrong that we didn’t or couldn’t expect? We can’t and with that, we relinquish everything to him who does control everything.

Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Give facts to your worry

I’m sure you’ve thought, “Okay, I trust the Lord, but what if [insert situation that you didn’t want] happens.” I would love for the remedy to those stress-driven thoughts to be “Stop obsessing,” but unfortunately, that doesn’t work. The answer is to give facts to your worry to find your relief. The Bible is filled with promises that serve as beacons of hope in times of stress.

Psalm 55:22 reminds us, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

If He will never let the righteous be shaken, then whatever you wanted to happen that didn’t, wasn’t part of the plan to steady you in this life. It would have shaken you. When we remember that, we learn, though it may be difficult, to let go of the expected outcomes that were causing us stress and instead embrace the peace of our Lord.

Relying on your community during times of stress

Alright, so we started being under pressure, and it accumulated to cause stress. We found some relief by submitting, stopping our anxiousness, and casting our cares on the Lord. Is that all? No. We need to rely on our community when we feel our stress is becoming overwhelming. We can delegate tasks to other people, ask for advice on handling the situation, or just have a listening ear.

Galatians 6:2 encourages us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

           Also, a daily routine allows us the mental space to know that we will have an allotted time to handle what we can and, after that, move on to the next task. Sleep is important in rejuvenating your mind and body, allowing you to rest from the stress you had the day before and the energy to tackle any stressful situations that are coming up. Self-care is another big one for managing stress. It includes eating healthy, exercising, and making time for activities you enjoy. When your body has the tools to succeed, you will find that any situation putting pressure on you can become manageable. Lastly, this daily de-stressing planner requires you to stop and think about the things that are stressing you out and why.

Digging deeper into the specifics of our stressors allows us to realize that some pieces of our stress are unwarranted, but we don’t see that because we are wrapped up in the feeling of stress. Ultimately, I hope these verses, and tools lead you to destress effectively.

Are there any other tools that you use to help you relieve stress? Let us know in the comments down below!

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I found it amusing to play around with my friends and call them bipolar when their moods would drastically change throughout the day. We would be laughing one minute and annoyed the next because we were hungry. “You’re so bi-polar! You were just in a good mood,” we would joke. It wasn’t until my sophomore year in undergrad that I started to take bipolar disorder seriously.

I had a friend who became like a brother to me. He would be full of energy for days and suddenly go into a deep state of isolation later. I never understood why, but his different mood swings affected our friendship. He would be thrilled to see and talk to me one day, and the next treat me as if I didn’t exist. It wasn’t until I addressed his temperamental behavior that he told me he had bipolar disorder. Having been diagnosed a couple of years before meeting me, he grappled with handling his mental illness and balancing his relationships. 

Shining a Light on Bipolar Disorder

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, affects millions of people around the world. It is unusual shifts in mood, formerly ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. Someone experiencing this mental illness has a constant change in their thinking, sleep patterns, energy, and behavior. The unpredictability and intensity of these mood shifts can be overwhelming, impacting various facets of life, including relationships, work, and personal well-being. Several factors contribute to bipolar disorder. Genetics and brain chemistry are some of the main elements that cause the disorder. Other components include stressful life events, medications, drugs, and alcohol. My friend shared many stories about his life as a child with me. Through therapy and doctor visits, he concluded that the main contributing factor to his disorder was the trauma he experienced as a child. It was to my surprise that childhood trauma, too, partakes in someone being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. 

Life with Bipolar Disorder

There were days when my friend and I would pull all-nighters. We would stay up until 3 in the morning to do homework and write essays we had procrastinated on throughout the week. I would finally crash out, and he would still be up for hours, showing no signs of tiredness. Even after not sleeping for days, he had so much energy. Those were also the times when we had the most fun together. He would be overly excited about the most minor things and was always in the mood to do something spontaneous, like walking to Baskin and Robbins to get ice cream at 1 in the morning in 12-degree weather.

I learned later that those were his manic episode days. But then there were days when I felt so distant and separated from him. He would be exasperated and sad and didn’t want to leave his room. Those were his depressive days, and they were the toughest to deal with. Signs and symptoms of someone with bipolar disorder can be divided into two different categories. Manic and depressive. A manic episode is where the individual may be productive and excited and have intense feelings of euphoria.

In contrast, depressive episodes are the opposite. The individual may feel sad, down, or worried. And they lack energy and interest in anything. 

Bipolar I vs Bipolar II

Bipolar I was what my friend was diagnosed with. But there were also two other forms that I remember him explaining to me. He had dealt with a few manic episodes that led to hypomanic or major depressive occurrences, which categorized him as having Bipolar I. Bipolar II is similar to Bipolar I, but the individual never reaches a manic episode and can be severely depressed for an extended amount of time. My friend also taught me about cyclothymic disorder, which is also a mood disorder that is less extreme than bipolar disorder and involves frequent mood swings of hypomanic and depressive episodes. Through his teachings and my personal experiences with him, I began to have a better understanding of bipolar disorder, and my empathy for the mental illness grew. 

The Role of Faith in Dealing With Bipolar Disorder

Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

This scripture encourages the Christian community to assist those in their times of struggle and need. We must not stigmatize bipolar disorder but instead extend unconditional love, compassion, and grace to our brothers and sisters who battle with this mental challenge. Many nights, my friend went through meltdowns. He would call me, and we would meditate, listen to music, and talk to God. In the times we would pray, I could sense the presence of God wavering over us. He would be at peace for weeks after we spent hours expressing our feelings and being vulnerable with God. 

Faith as a Means of Healing

For individuals navigating the intense waters of bipolar disorder, faith can serve as a balancing force. The Christian belief in an affectionate and sympathetic God provides a foundation of hope, even at your lowest moments. Creating a prayer routine and participating in fellowship with a supportive faith community can provide comfort and relief during times of adversary.

Psalms 34:18 reminds believers, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

This verse signifies God’s understanding of the pain and heartache that people with bipolar disorder deal with. It lets us know he is acquainted with the pain and ready to offer comfort. 

The Duality of Mania and Depression

Because Bipolar disorder’s hallmark feature is the oscillation between manic and depressive episodes, the diagnosed may have a difficult time managing their spiritual journey. Manic highs are likened to spiritual hunger and exuberance moments, where individuals feel an intense connection with God. My friend dealt with many depressive lows, many of which were when he experienced spiritual dryness and despair. He would act out and have moments of extreme irritability that crushed my spirits. We both found it beneficial for him to channel his energy into constructive and positive outlets. I encouraged him to get involved in community service events where he could release some of his excitement. Other times, we spent days attending church events that deepened our relationship with Christ. It’s essential to anchor these moments in God’s truth and avoid impulsive decisions that may lead to negative consequences or hurt someone you’re close to.

The Christian Community Involvement In World Bipolar Day

March 30th is reserved for World Bipolar Day. The day came after the death of renowned artist Vincent Van Gough, who had bipolar disorder. The Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder, the International Bipolar Foundation, and The International Society for Bipolar Disorders organizations fought hard for this day to promote awareness and understanding of bipolar disorder. World Bipolar Day raises awareness about mental illness, eliminates stigmas about what bipolar disorder is and isn’t, and brings forth a platform for advocacy and activism. 

The Christian community plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with bipolar disorder, especially on March 30. Fellowship and genuine support for each other are emphasized throughout the bible. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Call to Action

On March 30, World Bipolar Day, the Christian Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) encourages everyone to create an environment of understanding and acceptance within the faith to help combat the stigmas often associated with bipolar disorder and other mental health issues. Fabricating prayer circles, endorsing small talk groups, and fostering pastoral relationships with those in need can help break down the barriers that prevent those with bipolar disorder from seeking help. These helpful gestures can also become pillars of strength for those facing the challenges of bipolar disorder, promoting a sense of belonging and encouragement.

We must not stigmatize bipolar disorder but instead extend unconditional love, compassion, and grace to our brothers and sisters who battle with this mental challenge.

Overcoming Stigma Through Education

To help destigmatize bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses, it is essential to equip yourself with the knowledge and history that follows. For those of us who have a limited understanding of what bipolar disorder is, CMHI offers mental health resources such as SAMHSA, which is a national website for information on mental health. The website also provides other resourceful sites, such as helpguide.org,  to empower people with information to help with their mental health, and the Stephen Ministry, a faith-based national suicide and crisis lifeline for anyone you know who may be dealing with a crisis or the feeling of wanting to commit suicide due to the effects from their bipolar disorder. 

Concluding Reflections on World Bipolar Day

In honor of World Bipolar Day and amid bipolar disorder’s challenges, the Christian community can help themselves and others find hope in the unwavering love and grace of Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Bipolar disorder, with its fluctuating highs and lows, poses unique challenges for those affected by it. Individuals can find solace in the teachings of compassion, understanding, and support found throughout the bible. By intertwining faith with practical measures, such as therapy, prayer, meditation, and medication, the Christian community can aid in better controlling and navigating bipolar disorder with resilience and hope.

The journey may be challenging, but with God’s grace and the support of a caring community, those affected can find the strength to face each day with courage and faith.

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Yet, I’m sure that all of us can relate to compromising our sleep. Whether for work, school, family, friends, or something else … Sometimes, it seems like when things get tough or busy, our sleep is the first thing to go.

As Christians especially, we can have a tendency to neglect sleep for the sake of doing good. Certainly, there can be times when we ought not to sleep (see Luke 22:39-46). But, as image-bearers of God, we are meant to rest because God rested (Genesis 2:1-3). As humans, one way through which we rest is through sleep (John 11:13). 

We shouldn’t needlessly compromise our sleep and rest. I definitely know that I often compromise my sleep for the sake of entertainment, perhaps staying up late to watch YouTube or to browse social media. In our modern culture of busyness and distraction, we are probably often doing too much and not sleeping and resting enough. But Jesus’ example of radical sleep should reiterate that we might not be sleeping enough.

Sleep as Humility and Trust Amidst the Storm

Mark 4 recounts an illuminating story about Jesus and his disciples during a particular night.

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

In this story, Jesus slept even when it did not make sense. The storm was at hand, the boat was threatening to sink, and yet Jesus was … asleep?! Why? Because Jesus trusted in the Lord and in His power and protection. To us today, it can sometimes seem like there’s always more that we could be doing. We want control and certainty amidst our storms. But, it can be an act of humility and trust to sleep and have faith that our destiny is in Jesus’ hands. Like the Disciples, we have Jesus with us always until the end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20). This Sleep Awareness Week (and beyond!), I pray that we will let ourselves sleep both more and more soundly and fully, seeking what Psalm 4:8 describes:

In peace I will both lie down and sleep;

for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Sleep well!!

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