The Dos and Don'ts of Mental Health Disorders

In gospel-centered mentoring, we aim to help mentees become wholehearted followers of Jesus in four different realms: the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social/vocational. Generally, it seems the most difficult realm to address is the emotional. One reason for this may be that many modern Christians don’t have a clear and accurate picture how the Bible addresses issues of mental health.While mentors and coaches are not professional counselors and should never take on that role (unless they have been trained in it), it is helpful for them to have a Biblical understanding of mental health so they can better coach their clients in the emotional realm and refer clients to mental health care professionals when appropriate.That’s why we are so excited to share a nine-part sermon series called “Help and Hope for our Mental Health” from my coach, Pastor Daron Lindemann. We pray that this deep dive into mental health and the gospel encourages you personally and blesses your mentoring.Pastor Daron’s Recommended Christian Mental Health Books* Deep as the Sea by Pastor Timothy Bourman* Carry Your Own Backpack by Holly Schneider* A Guide to Mental and Emotional Wellness by Dr. Jennifer Londgren* Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig GroeschelNOTESAbout half of all people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime.Pay close attention to the words “spirit” and “Spirit.”The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12)The examiner is the giver and the gift of holiness in us.The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments. (1 Corinthians 2:14,15)Estimates suggest that only half of all people with mental disorders get the treatment they need. Why?For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self control. (2 Timothy 1:7)We have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)SPIRITUAL NEXT STEPThe Book Winning the War in Your Mind, and the readings from “Jesus, Our Savior: Lenten Devotions from Time of Grace” on YouVersion provide more help and hope for mental health. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS* True or False — It is easier to care for a loved one who has lost both legs than a loved one with a mental disorder, because a person’s limitations without legs are easier to see, understand, and support.* Recall two reasons that people with mental health disorders don’t get the treatment that they need. What is the solution according to 2 Timothy 1:7? Explain.* Share 1-3 fresh insights or new tools you have gained from the Help and Hope for Mental Health series after 4 weeks. Get full access to Gospel-Centered at www.gospelcenteredmentoring.site/subscribe