MENTAL HEALTH
If the Bible reveals God’s character and will for our lives as believers, then we must ask the inescapable questions: Should we be concerned with mental health? How do I find help? How do I help others? What does the Bible say about mental health, anxiety, depression, medications, counseling, or suicide?
PODCASTS
Supporting Mental Health with Dignity and Grace (TGC)
In this episode of Glo, Blair Linne, Aixa de López, Sharon Dickens, and Soojin Park discuss the importance of creating a safe space within the local church for Christians to share their emotional and mental health struggles and receive encouragement without shame. They vulnerably share their own stories of struggling with mental health and describe how the hope of eternity, when we’ll be fully restored in body and mind, gives us the endurance to persevere. The struggle with anxiety and depression might require medical help, professional counseling, and tools of God’s common grace in order to find healing, and we serve a God who meets us in our weakness and lovingly bears our burdens. By fostering open and compassionate conversations about mental health within the body of Christ, we can create an atmosphere where those silently suffering find hope.
How Do I Overcome Anxiety and Depression? (TGC) with Andrew Dealy
This Podcast addresses: Fighting guilt and finding resilience (0:37); The natural response to a fallen and broken world (1:22); Lessons from Matthew 6:25–34 and Philippians 4:4–9(1:56); Learning not to be ruled by our emotions (3:09); Jesus fighting anxiety in the Garden (5:15); A great hope to overcome anxiety (7:22); Deciphering the factors that feed anxiety (8:10); Finding purpose in our struggle (13:55); Medication as a personal help (14:28); Expected pain and suffering in the Christian life (15:27); Being honest about our pain (16:47); No promise of answers to all of our questions (17:32); Self-forgetfulness instead of an inward focus (18:00); Practical tools for overcoming anxiety and depression (19:03); An invitation to carry our struggles to God (19:56).
BOOKS
Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Its Cure
Martin Lloyd-Jones
Believing the Christian joy was one of the most potent factors in the spread of Christianity in the early centuries, Lloyd-Jones not only lays bare the causes that have robbed many Christians of spiritual vitality but also points the way to the cure that is found through the mind and spirit of Christ.
When the Darkness Will Not Lift: Doing What We Can While We Wait for God-and Joy
John Piper
Even the most faithful, focused Christians can encounter periods of depression and spiritual darkness when joy seems to stay just out of reach. It can happen because of sin, satanic assault, distressing circumstances, or hereditary and other physical causes. This book aims to give some comfort and guidance to those experiencing spiritual darkness.
Dark Night of the Soul
St. John of the Cross
A fundamental question often arises in the life of a Christian: why does God allow us to experience seasons of spiritual drought, where we lose our sense of His presence and all joy in our walk with Him? This Christian classic explores this poignant question, delving into the deeper purposes behind these spiritual deserts that challenge even the most devout believers. Its insights reveal a transformative journey designed to deepen and mature our relationship with God.
Healing the Masculine Soul: God’s Restoration of Men to Real Manhood
Gordon Dalbey
This book presents a picture of God’s design for the masculine soul and dares men to be as God created them to be-not as society demands. The politically correct crowd cries out for men to be more sensitive, to tame their masculine nature. On the opposing side, the media bombards men with “macho” images of violence and lust. Is it any wonder men are left bewildered about who they should be? Ultimately, God is calling men out to a relationship with Himself and calling them out to authentic manhood.
Walking with God through Pain and Suffering
Timothy Keller
Why does God allow pain and suffering? This book suggests there is meaning and reason behind our pain and suffering, making a case that this essential part of the human experience can be overcome only by understanding our relationship with God.
You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times
Max Lucado
We all fear that the depression will never lift, the disappointment will never stop, the pain will never leave. Here in the pits, surrounded by steep walls, we wonder if our gray skies will ever brighten. Though these unprecedented and challenging times may bring a load of uncertainty and fear that feels too heavy to bear, God gives us this promise: You’ll Get Through This. Whether you find yourself in the pit of financial downturn, job loss, health crisis, or relationship stresses, God has a plan and a path forward designed just for you. It won’t be easy, it won’t be quick, but you will get through this.
Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament
Mark Vroegop
This book seeks to restore the lost art of lament in order to help readers discover the power of honest wrestling with the questions that come with grief and suffering.
The Bible and Mental Health: Towards a Biblical Theology of Mental Health
Christopher C.H. Cook
The topic of mental health is a very relevant and growing issue in our modern society. Is it possible to develop such a thing as a biblical theology of mental health? How might we develop a helpful and pastoral use of scripture to explore questions of mental health within a Christian framework? This timely and important book integrates the highest levels of biblical scholarship with theological and pastoral concerns to consider how we use scripture when dealing with mental health issues.
Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest Paperback
Edward T. Welch
This book investigates the roots of fear in the human soul and the ramifications of living in the grips of anxiety, worry, and dread. Welch encourages readers to discover for themselves that the Bible is full of beautiful words of comfort for fearful people (and that every single person is afraid of something). Within the framework of thirty topical meditations, it offers sound biblical theology and moment-by-moment, thoughtful encouragement for life-saving rescue in the midst of the heart and mind battlefield of rampant panic-stricken responses.
Helping Your Kids Deal With Anger, Fear, and Sadness
H. Norman Wright
No parent likes to see their child struggle, especially with dark emotions like anger, fear, and depression. This book includes conversational guidelines and learning activities for children that encourage them to work through these difficult emotions. Parents will gain keen insights into the cause of these intense moods and develop sound principles in dealing effectively with them.
Let. It. Go: Breaking Free from Fear and Anxiety
Tony Evans
In this easy-to-read guide, pastor and Bible teacher Dr. Tony Evans shares wisdom from the Word on breaking free from the emotional strongholds that keep us trapped in fear and anxiety. Learn how to let go of the past, live in the present, and trust God for the future.
Understanding and Loving a Person With Depression: Biblical and Practical Wisdom to Build Empathy, Preserve Boundaries, and Show Compassion
Stephen Arterburn and Brenda Hunter
If someone you love is depressed, you probably feel confused, angry, and helpless. This encouraging guide will help you hold on to hope while broadening your understanding of depression and its treatment. This book explores: the multiple causes of depression; how men and women react to depression differently; the influence of social media and technology on depression; the unique challenges of depression in adolescence; how to take care of yourself while caring for someone who is depressed.
Anxiety Elephants for Teens: A 90 Day Devotional
Caris Snider
As the world has become more confusing, and the pressures are on for the next generation for a host of anxiety-inducing issues, teenagers may find themselves crippled under the weight of their fears. Nevertheless, Scripture has something to say about the mental health issues our teens face. Anxiety-expert Caris Snider will walk readers through how to manage their symptoms and trust in God through this ninety-day devotional.
Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents―and What They Mean for America’s Future
Jean M. Twenge
An Informative portrait of the six generations that currently live in the United States and how they connect, conflict, and compete with one another.
Anxiety Elephants for Tween Girls: A 90 Day Devotional
Caris Snider
Anxiety Elephants for Tweens, guides this pre-adolescent generation equipping them with Scripture, daily action steps, community, and power packed tools to overcome the tactics of their enemy. This 90 day devotional contains an introduction, checklist of anxiety symptoms, 90 days of devotionals with journaling pages, open-ended questions, Scripture, and practical sidebars.
Anxiety Elephants for Tween Boys: A 90 Day Devotional
Caris Snider
Anxiety Elephants for Tweens, guides this pre-adolescent generation equipping them with Scripture, daily action steps, community, and power packed tools to overcome the tactics of their enemy. This 90 day devotional contains an introduction, checklist of anxiety symptoms, 90 days of devotionals with journaling pages, open-ended questions, Scripture, and practical sidebars.
MINISTRIES
Grief Share
A GriefShare support group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. Through this 13-week group, you’ll discover what to expect in the days ahead and what’s “normal” in grief. next GriefShare group starting on Tues, August 13th at 10 AM and Wed, August 14th at 6:30 PM.
The Mental Health Grace Alliance
Christian support for mental health recovery – curriculum and small groups.
Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind. This is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life. Join us at United City for fellowship, worship, stories of life change and small groups for accountability and support. Celebrate Recovery meets every Wednesday night at 6:30 PM at United City Church.
Divorce Care
DivorceCare is a safe place where caring people come alongside you as you find healing from the pain of separation or divorce. At this 13-week, video-based support group program, you’ll find helpful counsel to manage the emotional turmoil and practical tools for decision-making. Divorce Care group starting on Wed, August 14th, at 6:30 PM.
ARTICLES
COUNSELOR REFERRAL LIST
This list of counselors should be considered a resource provided by United City Church. In no way does the church endorse these counselors over other counselors. We highly recommend you perform your due diligence in identifying the right counselor for your personal needs. United City Church is not contracted with or legally bound in any way to these counselors. As such, United City Church is not liable or responsible for the outcome of these counseling sessions.
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