Mental health issues in the church

Obituaries
Doctors believe that occasional anxiety is normal and, therefore, acceptable, yet the Bible appears to contradict this when it instructs us not to fret or worry about anything. Although the Word of God encourages us not to worry, it seems to be impossible. People often give in to anxiety and stress because of fear and […]

Doctors believe that occasional anxiety is normal and, therefore, acceptable, yet the Bible appears to contradict this when it instructs us not to fret or worry about anything.

Although the Word of God encourages us not to worry, it seems to be impossible. People often give in to anxiety and stress because of fear and the Bible speaking about fear says we have not been given a spirit of fear.

Not all mental illnesses are caused by demonic manipulation. Some are just anxiety attacks and sometimes birthed from overburdening your mind.

Something as simple as a break-up in a relationship can cause a panic attack. A panic attack is when you feel sudden and intense fear.

During the attack, one can sweat, experience chest pains and have a pounding heart. One can also feel like they are choking. We disqualify certain emotional issues because we assume Jesus never spoke about mental health, but He surely spoke when He said He was sent to heal the brokenhearted. Mental illnesses are real and grow from issues that can be dealt with if the root is discovered. Emotional pain can have a major impact on one’s being and yet the church does not create programmes to assist those with mental health issues. When we speak of mental health, we ignore symptoms and situations that lead to mental illnesses.

With the current wave of issues in our time, including loss of work and loss of loved ones and even spending days indoors because of the lockdown, we have to be watchful of people developing mental issues.

Doctors classify anxiety and with these classes; explain different forms of anxiety and how they affect one’s being. Some forms of anxiety are born from unrealistic worry which brings tension even in your body and mind.

The Bible says cast your cares on Jesus. At times people are trapped in mental cages because they don’t know how to trust God. They are different types of mental health disorders including depression and bipolar disorders which affect the mood of an individual.

A person suffering from depression can appear to be normal because they hide what they are going through yet they are trapped.

In a vision, I once saw a girl who was suffering from depression.

She was trapped in a cold, dark hole. We have a responsibility to reach out and help those trapped in these dark habitations.

Eating disorders are also regarded as mental health issues and at times we ignore these things because they appear to be normal only to realise when a person is in trouble that they had issues they were dealing with. Post-traumatic disorder is also a mental health issue that affects every person who has gone through a traumatic attack. Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted and at times hearts break because of trauma.

These traumatic situations vary, but I believe within the Word of God there is a way to help people deal with trauma. The church has the ability to help those who have mental health issues, but I believe we can only help them effectively if we learn to identify these issues.

Remember, not all mental health issues are because a person has a demon. Through talking and prayer, you can help a person overcome any form of mental attack.

God bless you.

  • Humphrey Mtandwa is an anointed minister of the gospel and teacher of the Word based in South Africa. He has written several books including The Enoch Generation, Truthfulness and Theophany. He blogs at mtandwa.blogspot.com and can be contacted via e-mail or WhatsApp on +27 610286350