Conversation on Mental Health

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NASB

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

What are anxiety and depression?

Anxiety:

- Characterized by over-engagement

- Emotions become overreactive

- Seen in Scripture: Mary & Martha in Luke 10

Luke 10:38-42 NIV

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Depression:

- Characterized by disengagement

- Emotions are blunted

- Seen in Scripture: David in Psalm 51

Psalms 51:17 NIV

17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;a broken and contrite heartyou, God, will not despise.

Anxiety feels like…

Bricks on my chest
Constant fight or flight
A runaway train
Suffocating
Drowning
Anger and rage
Heart attack
Something I can’t escape
Overwhelming and frantic
Out of control adrenaline
Death

Depression feels like…

I shouldn’t even exist
Zero energy
Hopelessness
Apathy
Deep, dark cave
Numbness
Being underwater
Never worthy enough
Isolation
Smothering sadness
Emotional bluntness
Trapped in a black hole

What causes anxiety and depression? What allows it to stick around in my life? What can I do to get healthier?

1 Thessalonians 5:23 NIV

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Anxiety and depression can originate in the mind, body, or spirit, and then it can affect all three.

Steps to a Healthier Spirit:

Practice gratitude
Practice solitude with God

Philippians 4:11-12 NIV

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:16-17 NIV

16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Matthew 6:6 NIV

6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Steps to a Healthier Soul:

Renew your mind in God's power
Capturing your thoughts

Romans 12:2 NIV

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Philippians 4:8 NIV

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Steps to a Healthier Body:

Practice saying "No"
Schedule a check-up

How can I be a good friend to someone who has anxiety and depression?

1 Kings 19:1-8 NIV

1 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” 3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

Don’t….

Over-spiritualize
Minimize
Criticize
Compare
Redirect

Do…

Commit
Connect
Encourage
Listen
Support

How to be a Good Friend:

Be present. Show up at their fence.
Don't try to fix it.
See a need? Meet a need.
"You are loved."
"I'm here for you."
"Can I pray for you?"
"Can I bring you something?"

How can an adult help a child with anxiety and depression?

How to Help a Child:

Establish a routine.
Put language to what they are going through.
"What would Jesus do/say if He walked in right now?"
"What is one thing that might be helpful to you?"
"Tell me more."
"You will make it through. God will help you. I will be here for you."

How do you address the stigma around counseling and the fear of being labeled?

Fear is one of the tools the enemy uses to keep us stuck.

1 John 1:9 NIV

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

James 5:16 NIV

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

You can’t fight battles you can’t name, and you can't fight alone.

Why does God allow heavy seasons? How can I honor God even in my anxiety and depression?

"AND" allows two things to be true at once.

“I am currently battling with depression in my life, AND I serve a faithful God who has promised to meet my every need.”

Psalm 6:6-10 ESV

Pain has a purpose. We can either choose to focus on the pain or the promise.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NASB

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