Among the many misconceptions about mental illness, the myth that faith and mental health care are at odds is perhaps one of the most harmful and hurtful for those who are struggling. Mental health advocate Tabitha Yates knows this well, and in her book Jesus and Therapy she shares practical advice for others walking similar paths as well as for churches seeking to be places of welcome and healing.
The book is rooted in the premise that “You can be a Christian and still struggle with your mental health.” Each chapter ends with complimentary suggestions for readers’ spiritual practices and topics to address with a professional, demonstrating that “There is a place for both faith and mental health care to coexist, and that is where transformation and recovery can be found.” Below are four key takeaways.
Myths continue to prevent many from seeking help and serving others—but we can counter them.
Tabitha addresses six false beliefs about mental health challenges and faith that are often present in church communities, including the ideas that a mental health diagnosis is a sign of weak faith, that seeking God means you don’t need professional help and those living with mental health struggles can’t be trusted with ministry responsibilities. Each plays a role in preventing people from seeking care and pursuing opportunities to use their unique gifts and insights to serve others.
But, as we identify these false beliefs, we can counter them. Combining insight from Scripture and wisdom gained through her own experience, she debunks each one and offers readers suggested responses when they encounter these myths.
Those who struggle with their mental health can be—and are—used by God to bless others.
As Tabitha stresses, those who’ve experienced mental health challenges have voices and perspectives that are needed in the church. They can minister to others from places of true understanding as well as be catalysts in creating safe spaces within communities of faith where people can openly share their struggles.
As Scripture demonstrates, God doesn’t use only those whose struggles are in the past tense. Tabitha points out, “The Bible tells us that giants in the faith, such as David, Moses, Naomi, Job, Jonah, Jeremiah, and Elijah, wrestled with deep despair, loneliness, and sadness. Nowhere does scripture denounce them for having weak faith. In fact, they were used mightily by God.”
Local communities of faith have incredible opportunities to be places of hope for those who are suffering.
As Tabitha writes, “We have a chance as the church to be a hospital for the hurting, a light in the darkness, and a beacon of hope, love, and redemption for those who are struggling.” She offers numerous practical suggestions, including talking openly about mental illnesses and modeling how those living with these challenges are being used by God, as well as hosting mental health awareness trainings and creating a list of recommended mental health resources and professionals.
Presence is powerful—especially over time.
Walking with people dealing with mental illnesses isn’t a one-time act, but an ongoing process. Tabitha emphasizes the power of simply showing up, again and again, to offer a listening ear and compassionate spirit. “Loving people exactly where they are means patiently rooting for them in their healing journeys and asking how you can show up for them in tangible ways. When you willingly meet others where they are, you become a living example of Christ’s faithfulness to stay when others walk away.”
This ongoing investment both demonstrates Christ’s compassion and helps those who care do so more effectively. Over time, by being willing to sit in another person’s suffering, we can learn to discern when that person needs prayer, practical help or simply our presence.
As Tabitha shares in a concluding note, “True healing can be found when we couple our faith in Jesus with the bravery needed to ask for help from the comforters, advocates, and wise counselors He’s generously placed in our path.” Both for those living with mental illnesses and communities of faith seeking to come alongside them, this is a powerful vision.
The Well Community’s Thursday Night Life worship services give our members opportunity to worship in a place where they are accepted and able to bless one another. One of our newer members recently shared with us that while she has been to other programs, she’s never experienced one like Thursday Night Life—one from which she always leaves feeling inspired. It’s something she says she has needed for a long time.
Thanks to the help of volunteers who serve dinner, lead worship and give the message, we’re able to provide this welcoming community of faith. Click here to learn more and sign up to serve.
Jesus and Therapy includes depictions of abuse and suicide attempts. Reader discretion is advised.