Mental health. Everybody’s been talking about it, and rightfully so. Our mental health is an important, intrinsic part of who we are. It controls aspects of our lives, even unconsciously. Our mental health affects our moods, which can affect our relationships. Other things inevitably fall into place when we care for our mental health.
As Christians, our spiritual and mental health are connected. We, in most cases, cannot separate the two. When we are under spiritual attack, our mental health can be the target of the enemy. Allow me to expose him and his ways to you.
One of the ways that the enemy attacks our minds is through the feeling of depression. Depression is a feeling of downness, despair, and hopelessness. Even though God promises that when we fear Him, we have a bright future (Proverbs 23:17-18), depression can make it seem like the opposite. The fact that there is that opposite feeling indicates that the devil is at work. He’s a liar, the father of all (not some) lies, and a murderer, as John 8:44 says!
Depression often starts as a feeling. You may even express this feeling to someone close to you. (When you feel this way, pray against it). Most of the time, this feeling can manifest as loneliness and sadness. You don’t feel happy during such a time. And if it’s a spiritual attack, you may not even know why you feel sad. You may not be able to identify the particular thing that caused you to feel unhappy in the first place. You may cry without knowing why. You may also withdraw from people and not enjoy your relationships, although you’ll need them much then. You may feel suicidal. You may also have insomnia. These are all dark symptoms of depression.
May I submit to you that although a doctor can medically diagnose depression, the source is often at the spiritual level? That’s why it’s essential not to take such a medical report at face value. Even if the reason for the depression seems physical, it’s still important to pray. Praying will allow God to show you areas you need to deal with to receive healing and good health. While experiencing depression, you may not feel like reading the Bible. You may not feel like attending church. You may not like dressing up, looking nice, or eating adequately. However, these things are essential in ensuring your health and quick recovery from depression. The critical remedy here, and the beginning thereof, is prayer. And that includes others praying for you. It’s critical. So, those that you trust and will also pray with you must know that you have this feeling.
While depression is dark, you can overcome it. Don’t give up. Remember, God is with you and has a great, beautiful, bright, happy future for you. He’ll bring you through it when you trust Him. He’s that trustworthy.
Akosua Frempong, Ph.D., is a freelance journalist with the Evangelical Press Association. She has worked in journalism on three continents. As part of her journalism experience, she has worked as a broadcast journalist, anchor, and producer. Dr. Frempong is an adjunct journalism professor at Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Moreover, she is the founder of Listening Ear Communications, a company that provides excellent, professional journalism to various news media organizations and publications.