At the 3rd Annual CMHI Virtual Mental Health Symposium, Toni LaShaun shared a deeply moving testimony that resonated with countless attendees. In her session, “From Pain to Peace: Healing Through Faith,” Toni unpacked her lifelong struggle with anxiety and how a Christ-centered approach—paired with professional mental health care—became the key to her healing journey.
Her story offered an honest, vulnerable, and much-needed voice in the conversation around faith and mental health, especially in communities where emotional struggles are often silenced.
🎥 Watch Toni LaShaun’s full session here:
The Silent Struggle: Toni’s Journey with Anxiety
From childhood through her college years, Toni wrestled with chronic anxiety, often feeling isolated and overwhelmed. As a Christian, she believed that “faith should fix everything”—a belief that only deepened her sense of shame when anxious thoughts didn’t go away.
She recalled how a moment of desperation brought her to the edge. Reaching for medication, she was interrupted by a worship song that stirred her heart, redirecting her to seek faith-informed support rather than suffering in silence.
🗣️ “I thought needing help meant I didn’t trust God enough. But I was wrong. God met me in the help I finally asked for.”
Why Therapy Is Not a Lack of Faith
A key message Toni shared was that seeking therapy or medication is not a sign of spiritual weakness—it’s an act of wisdom and faith. Many Christians are taught to “just pray more” when struggling mentally. But as Toni highlighted, God often works through licensed professionals, giving us tools and insight for healing.
This aligns with broader mental health research. According to the American Psychological Association, therapy significantly improves mental well-being, especially when integrated with spiritual practices.
Setbacks, Grief, and Pandemic Pain
Even after finding support, Toni’s healing journey wasn’t linear. She faced setbacks, grief, and a heightened sense of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most profound lessons she offered was this:
🗣️ “Healing is not a straight line. Sometimes, you start over. That’s okay.”
She encouraged others to revisit therapy when new struggles arise and to address unprocessed emotions, particularly grief, that often lie beneath anxiety and depression.
Faith and Mental Health Are Not Opposites
Toni powerfully dismantled the false dichotomy between spirituality and psychology. For her, therapy and prayer work together to bring lasting peace.
She shared practical tools that helped her manage anxiety while remaining rooted in faith:
- Daily prayer and surrender
- Gratitude journaling
- Naming and validating emotions
- Talking openly with faith-filled friends and mentors
This reflects what mental health professionals call “integrative care”—blending spiritual practices with evidence-based mental health tools.
The Call to Churches: Be a Safe Place
Toni closed her session with a message for pastors and church leaders: create safe, stigma-free spaces for conversations around mental health.
She called for:
- Honest preaching about emotional struggles
- Referrals to mental health professionals
- Small groups or care teams trained to support emotional needs
- A clear message: “You’re not broken if you need help.”
At CMHI, we echo this call. Churches should be sanctuaries not only for spiritual growth but also for mental healing.
Final Encouragement: You Are Not Alone
If you’ve struggled with anxiety or wondered whether faith and therapy can coexist, Toni’s story is your reminder that they absolutely can. Healing may be messy, nonlinear, and full of hard conversations, but it is holy work.
💬 “God isn’t waiting for you to be perfect. He’s with you in your process.”
🎥 Watch Full Video Of Symposium Here:
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