Do Christians suffer from mental illness? In the past, people often mistakenly believed that conditions like schizophrenia or significant emotional or personality changes were signs of demonic possession. Some believed that since Christians had the Holy Spirit within them, it was impossible for them to suffer from mental or psychological disorders. Or when some Christians appear to struggle with prolonged sadness, lethargy, or despair, those around them might attribute it to a lack of faith or prayer. But modern medical research shows that mental health conditions are often closely associated with physiological changes in one’s body. Therefore, when a person suffers from a mental illness, it is similar to a chronic disease and may not necessarily be related to weak faith or demonic influence. As such, both Christians and non-Christians may struggle with mental illnesses. Besides prayer, medication may also be needed to manage such disorders. This is akin to treating physiological diseases.

That being said, when Christians face mental illness, they have two significant advantages over non-Christians.

First, Christians have the Lord Jesus. He experienced human suffering and can empathize with various weaknesses of humanity. “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain” (Isa 53:3). “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Heb 4:15). Therefore, while others may not understand the suffering of those with mental illnesses, the Lord Jesus intercedes with the Father to provide the necessary strength and a way out. The compassionate heart of the Lord Jesus and His promises in the Bible are a balm for those with wounded hearts. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psa  147:3), “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out” (Isa 42:3). Second, we have the support of the church community. The Church is the body of the Lord Jesus and should reflect His love. It is a place of comfort and healing for people. While members of the Church may not have professional skills to help those with mental illness, our acceptance, prayers, patient listening, and practical assistance, can provide much-needed support for these brothers and sisters and even new friends. The causes of mental illness are complex, and the severity and recovery process of each condition vary greatly. Therefore, the church community’s enduring love and patience are even more indispensable. Sometimes, it may be necessary to take one step forward and two steps back, or even to accept that this brother or sister may carry this thorn for a lifetime and be prepared to walk alongside them for the long haul.

However, not every person with a mental illness is incapable of living normally. When their condition is managed, they are no different from anyone else. Martin Luther, a pioneer of the Reformed faith, struggled with depression throughout his life. In many of his letters, he confided in friends about his inner struggles, doubts about God, and pain. Of course, 500 years ago, people knew nothing about depression. But whenever his illness struck, Martin Luther knew it was not just an ordinary temptation. He would feel physically weak and intensely lonely, and as if God had forsaken him. Yet his response is worth noting. He bravely shared his struggles, thanked friends for their prayers, and believed that these prayers helped him overcome moments of depression. Martin Luther did not believe that finding the cause of his illness would be of much help because the Devil often uses human emotions to magnify small things. Instead, he submitted to God’s will to go through these hardships and endure God’s discipline, and even thanked God for seeing him worthy of these trials, considering them signs of His grace and love. In the darkest moments of illness, Martin Luther believed that the most beneficial activities were prayer, reading God’s Word, and praising God. During one depressive episode, his meditation on Psalm 46 led to his writing of the well-known hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Evidently, God is able to use a person’s weakest moments to accomplish great things. “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” (2 Cor 12:9).“

translated by Rachel Goh