We've all experienced the feeling of being overwhelmed. Stress can creep into our lives through work, family, the news, social media, and so many other ways. Now more than ever, we crave permission and encouragement to focus on our mental health. Check out some of the below resources to help you deal with stress and anxiety.
Mental Health Resources
What will help you and me grow to be the healthiest people we can be?
We firmly believe that facing whatever is “your challenge” is the best approach. We also realize we all learn and take in information differently – this list is by no means exhaustive. It is also not an endorsement as much as it is a beginning point of tools we found helpful in our mental wellness journeys.
Scripture About Mental Health
This is not an exhaustive list of biblical passages. There are many other references to either mental health or related issues. For example, II Corinthians 12:7-10 where the Apostle Paul complains and attempts to pray away a “thorn in his side.” In the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), to be “crazy” or “out of your mind” was considered a divine punishment. In the Christian Scriptures (New Testament) to be “out of your mind” was thought to be demon possession. In biblical days, there was no scientific or medical understanding of mental illness or mental health.
- I Samuel 16:14-23 Saul’s depression soothed by David’s music therapy
- I Samuel 18: 10-12 Saul’s fit of rage
- I Samuel 21: 10-14 David feigns mental illness
- II Samuel 12:15-23 David’s depression over loss of son
- I Kings 19:1-18 Elijah’s depression, anxiety after victory over false gods
- Jonah 4 Jonah’s depression
- Job 3: 11, 26 Job’s despair, depression over circumstances
- Psalms of Lament: 6, 13, 22, 55, 120, 130,
- Jeremiah 20:14, 18 Jeremiah wrestles with despair
- Mark 3:21 Jesus is thought to be “out of his mind”
- Mark 7:24-27 Girl with an unclean spirit
- Luke 8:26-39 Gerasene (Gadarenes) demoniac
- Luke 9:37-43 Boy with an unclean spirit
- John 8:48 Jesus considered to have a demon
- John 10:20 Jesus has a demon and to be “out of his mind”
Mental Health Websites
- Lifelines.com
We’re here to support your journey inward. We believe life’s answers and ultimate meaning are unique to each of us and can only be found within. We’re here to help frame those soul-searching questions that allow you to explore your authentic self and discover what makes you tick.
- adaa.org - Anxiety and Depression association of America
ADAA's mission focuses on improving quality of life for those with anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.
- everydayhealth.com
Our mission is to inspire and enable wellness each and every day. Our vision: Wellness that is truly inspired and enabled.
- becomingwhoyouare.net
Becoming Who You Are is about creating a full and meaningful life with greater courage, compassion, and creativity.
- verywellmind.com
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. We’re here to share trusted and compassionate information to help you find a happier, more balanced life
- nami.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness - NAMI envisions a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares.
Book Recommendation
Grace for the Afflicted by Matthew Stanford
Mental Health Podcasts
Have you tried listening to a podcast? Podcasts are a great way to take in information and learn something new. You don’t need to take any time out of your day, simply pop in some headphones on your morning commute or lunch break and listen. Here are four fantastic podcasts that not only discuss anxiety and mental health but also provide actionable tips and advice.
- The Anxiety Guy
The Anxiety Guy podcast is created by Dennis Simsek, an anxiety expert, mental health author and blogger. As a former professional tennis player, Dennis struggled through a long six-year period with anxiety and panic disorder. He takes you through his past and former dark thoughts and how he eventually ended that anxious time in his life. The podcast is available to listen for free on iTunes and includes great podcasts such as “Top 10 Words You MUST Replace If You Suffer from Anxiety” and “Life After Anxiety—6 Ways to Find Fun Again.”
- The Overwhelmed Brain
Designed for personal growth and for people who want to better their lives and change their behavior, The Overwhelmed Brain podcast is created by Paul Colaianni. Back in 2005, Paul fell into a depression after a 13-year relationship came to an abrupt end. Several years later with a lot of learning and a massive shift in thinking and behaviour, The Overwhelmed Brain came to fruition. A blog as well as a podcast, its aim is to help you break through negative thoughts and empower you to live your best life. The podcast covers a broad range of topics including anxiety, depression, negative thinking, and much more.
- The Anxiety Slayer
This weekly podcast series has been helping people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress, anxiety, and panic attack disorders for over a decade. Hosts Shann Vander Leek and Ananga Sivyer have conversations with experts in the field. Each podcast provides tangible tips and tools you can use in real time for grappling with anxiety symptoms. They also produce a series of guided meditations and breathing exercises. Their soothing voices are a huge plus.
- Mindful
Mindful is an extension of mindful.org, and is a collection of guided meditation, calming exercises, as well as gratitude techniques. And this podcast is a fantastic resource when what you need is a guide to help you refocus, recenter, or to bring your anxious thoughts into the proper alignment. There are so many different types of meditations or practices available on the podcast. Whether you need a meditation to help calm your thoughts, focus your awareness, or you are feeling the need to reset, there is just the episode for you.
Spiritual direction
A Christian spiritual director is a trained listener who will accompany you as you share about your spiritual journey, helping you to notice God’s presence and activity along the way, as well as your personal reactions and responses. Hospitable, confidential, and grounded in biblical truth, spiritual direction is a ministry that helps you grow in prayer and live into your calling as a follower of Christ.
We have two trained spiritual directors in our church community:
Stephen Ministry
What Is a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.
For more information contact Rev. Doug Meyer at dougm@tmumc.org.
Recommended Counselors/ Therapists
How to Combat Loneliness