Depression, suicide, emotional issues, and addictions of all kinds are on the rise. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2021, there were an estimated 57.8 million adults with mental health issues- with women experiencing problems more often than men and younger adults more than those over 55. Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34, the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15-24, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44.
Suicide is only one concern when considering the devastation caused by poor emotional health. Toxic emotions we stuff inside; stress, anger, anxiety, and fear take their toll, often contributing or causing physical illness which can shorten life. Indeed, studies show links between toxic emotions and cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, to name a few.
Being a Christian does not guarantee a lower risk of depression or other types of emotional issues. It does not prevent us from experiencing poor health. According to an article in the January 2021 edition of Psychiatric Resource, over 7 million Christians in the US experience major depression each year. And that number is likely low. My heart is burdened with knowing these facts and seeing firsthand the suffering. The bible says in 1 Peter 1:3 that we are born again unto a “lively hope” by the abundant mercy of Jesus through his resurrection. Most Christians want to experience the fullness of life that God has for them—a life filled with love, joy, peace, and purpose.
The tragedy is that many Christians are not experiencing this. But they don’t know why or how to change that.
Instead, they feel…
- Defeated by past or present sin in their life
- Weighed down by anger, fear, depression, or anxiety that never really goes away
- Exhausted from trying hard to be a “good Christian”
- Or held back in some other way
The reality is that you’re in a spiritual battle with an enemy who is fighting to keep you from experiencing fullness of life and becoming who you are meant to be in Christ. Even though you might be under the preaching and teaching of a local bible church, sometimes the answer of “read your Bible and pray more” is oversimplified or insufficient to bring lasting change or to cope with certain seasons in life.
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