God and Mental Health

Teri Sinnott encourages moms to become their best selves by seeking treatment for mental health.

Anxiety and depression are growing in the US and around the world. Too often, mental health is neglected within the Christian community. People still believe that we can just pray it away.

“If you had stronger faith you would not be struggling with mental health.”

“You're not praying enough.”

“You must not really have a personal relationship with Jesus.”

These things are repeated over and over again and they ring in a struggling person’s ears.

Frankly-it is all untrue. Yes, there are miraculous stories of faith healing someone’s mental health, but that isn't the norm. There are also miraculous stories of faith healing cancer, but that doesn't mean that everyone with cancer refuses treatment and just prays for a miracle.

So why do we treat mental health this way? If someone had cancer they would pray—and get treatment. Others would pray for them. Candles would be lit. Are we doing that for our friend with depression? Why not?

Mental illness is very real and in a world where there is stigma, add the layer of people feeling that their faith will be questioned, they don't speak up or get help.

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Just recently we all heard the news story of the young mother who killed all three of her children. My heart just breaks for everyone involved, including that mother. I know many will paint her as an evil person, but she was obviously struggling with mental health. I won’t speculate what happened, but we can all agree that it is a devastating story.

Though the vast majority of individuals with mental health issues are not a danger to others, that is a stereotype, at times it can turn violent.

There are others out there just like her who we could help and whose lives could be saved. I know people of strong faith who have committed suicide. Their love for God was so strong but their internal struggle won in the end.

Many of us have scars that we hold deep inside from trauma, bullying, rape or incest, alcoholic or drug dependent parents, abuse, or neglect. Sometimes we do not even realize the effect these things have had on us until we become parents ourselves.

Or maybe we haven’t even realized that the issues we are struggling with now could be from our past. Sometimes there are strong genetic components to mental illness as well that we simply have no control over.

When we look at the brain scans of individuals with various mental illnesses, we see differences. This isn’t a lack of faith, it is brain chemistry, heightened stress arousal, hormones, and other physical factors.

Treatment can come in many forms and it is not a one size fits all approach. Obviously prayer, mass, adoration and reading your bible should all be part of the process, but there is no shame or lack of faith in seeking additional help.

Therapies come in a variety of options and even teletherapy is available for the mom who simply can’t make it out of the house for an appointment. EMDR therapy is extremely effective for trauma. Medications are available. Lifestyle changes can help. Support groups. Grief Counseling.

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Too often, mental health is neglected within the Christian community. People still believe that we can just pray it away. #CatholicMom

No one should have to suffer alone. As women of faith, we should be supporting one another and encouraging each other to be the best versions of ourselves as we can be. With God, support, and treatment, women can be better wives and mothers.

Our families need us to be healthy and whole. To heal what is broken within us. To ensure that we are caring for ourselves so that we can care for them.

God wants you to be the you He created you to be. God understands our hurts and our pain more than anyone. He is standing beside you through it all. Become whole. If you are not sure where to begin, check out the resources below:

National Helpline: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

National Alliance on Mental Illness

The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers

Find Help: National Institute of Mental Health

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