By Nancy Virden (c)2024

As a Christian mental health advocate, I necessarily see a spiritual side to mental health challenges as well as a physical one. The physical possibilities seem endless because our bodies are connected to our brains. It makes sense that irregularities in one may be catalysts for issues in the other.

We are not only a body, though. We are also spiritual. This is not a choice of the will (to be a spiritual person or not), it is a fact. The part of you that longs for realization, fulfillment, belonging, peace, and joy, among other things, is the spiritual side. One can see how this is tied to mental health.

Difficulties, especially trauma, can adversely affect our spiritual self. If we had no dad or had a dad who caused emotional pain, we will long for that hurt to be mended. I find much satisfaction in my relationship with Father God, but I still wish for a kind, earthly dad. Did your mom have a hard time nurturing you? The need for tender care and unconditional love does not end.

These are spiritual issues, and not merely psychological or emotional ones. Because we are created beings, our whole being desires connection to our Creator. Many people are living in denial of their spiritual needs or existing with dissatisfaction and pain. They find that void – what some call the God space -cannot be filled by family, money, achievement, or anything else.

Personal connection to Almighty God through His Son Jesus Christ helps meet our deepest spiritual needs. God is love by nature. When the world looks bizarre and evil, we can still trust God’s love to have a plan for our good. Faith grows as we listen to or read the Bible. Holes in our spiritual health will challenge us in unexpected ways. One of these may be emotional or mental instability.

No matter the need or cause of a specific mental health challenge, God will meet you where you are and lead you to a better place.

–COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Romans 5:3-5

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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