Whispers of the Soul: Are Mental Health Issues Spiritual Battles or Mental Health Disorders?

WARNING!

I must preface this particle writing with a warning to any of you taking medications for a mental health condition. These are MY personal beliefs based on my faith, exhaustive studies and experience. So, IF you are taking any medications for any mental health issues, DO NOT STOP THESE MEDICATIONS ABRUPTLY OR STOP THEM WITHOUT THE GUIDANCE OF A MEDICAL DOCTOR’S MEDICAL SUPERVISION. The results of tapering or stopping these medications on your own can cause SEVERE injuries, a few of which are seizures, irregular heart rhythms, heart attack, stroke, and death.

In the ancient Biblical world, what we now define as mental health disorders, were interpreted through a spiritual lens. Biblical narratives reveal profound insights into how psychological experiences were understood as deeply spiritual encounters.

I bring this to you today because most people who have struggled with ‘mental health’ disorders, also struggle with addiction. Is there a relationship with the spiritual and addiction? Why do we see those who have completely recovered from addiction in the Biblical way, stop suffering from what modern medicine calls mental health disorders? Does modern medicine have it all wrong while God has it 100% correct? I’ll leave it up to you to decide. Here’s I’ll just present the facts.

Consider these compelling parallels:

Schizophrenia-like Symptoms: The man living among the tombs in the Gerasene region (Mark 5) was described as “possessed by demons.” Today, we recognize his behaviors as potential symptoms of severe mental illness: social isolation, self-harm, extreme agitation, and disconnection from community. What was once seen as demonic possession would now be diagnosed as a complex psychological condition requiring compassionate medical intervention. So, why was God able to heal ALL of them but modern medicine just drugs them?

Bipolar or Mood Disorders: King Saul’s erratic behavior provides a striking example. His mood swings, paranoid episodes, and intense emotional volatility—described in 1 Samuel as being “tormented by an evil spirit”—align closely with what modern psychiatry would classify as bipolar disorder or severe depression. The biblical narrative depicts spiritual warfare where we now see neurochemical imbalances. So, could it be what the God of the Bible says, or, is it what money hungry doctors looking for monthly visits to keep adjusting addictive drugs say?

Anxiety and Panic Disorders: Many prophetic experiences—intense visions, overwhelming fear, physical manifestations of stress—mirror what we now understand as anxiety disorders. Prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah described experiences of profound psychological distress that went beyond typical spiritual revelations. So, is anxiety and panic correctly described by God a typical spiritual revelation that happens when the Holy Spirit warns us, or, do modern day psychiatrists have it right that it’s an unexplained psychological distress that needs to be heavily medicated with addictive drugs that make it far worse and more dangerous?

Depression and Spiritual Darkness: David’s psalms are rich with descriptions of what doctors now state is clinical depression. Phrases like “my soul is downcast” and descriptions of overwhelming sadness and isolation were honest ways David told God how he was feeling so that He’d answer His prayers for healing. Today, it would representation mental health struggles that would be medicated with addictive medications that are dangerous and can cause ‘depression’ to worsen and possibly lead to an early grave. Any thoughts on this?

Neurological Conditions: Conditions like epilepsy were frequently interpreted as demonic possession. The biblical accounts of Jesus healing individuals with “unclean spirits” often describe symptoms consistent with what doctors today call seizure disorders or neurological conditions which are treated with dangerous addictive medications. So, Jesus healed them ALL, but modern medicine only hopes to try and lesson symptoms. Hmmmmm. So, God is right or doctors are right? Who do you believe.

Key Insights:

• Ancient cultures interpreted psychological experiences through spiritual eyes and people were healed
• What was once seen as spiritual warfare is now changed and treated through ongoing dangerous addictive medications
• The underlying human experience of suffering remains constant and purposeful, so this must be spiritually discerned (see 1 Peter 4:1-2)
• Compassion, respect, and understanding through a Biblical lens transcend today’s diagnostic labels

The beauty of these biblical narratives is in God’s fundamental message: Every human struggle deserves compassion, understanding, and the legitimate hope of restoration through Jesus Christ who gave His life for us.

For believers today, this perspective offers a profound answer in Biblical faith and modern mental health just doesn’t answer anything. It is very rare to find doctors offering one diagnosis for any ‘mental health’ condition because none of them fit into one category! ‘Mental health’ conditions overlap in modern medicine. Let this remind us that God is in control and His healing is real and true—touching mind, body, and spirit.

In the quiet corners of our church communities, there’s a conversation waiting to happen—a dialogue about mental health that too often remains unaddressed. As believers, we are called to love deeply, yet we sometimes struggle to address the very real challenges of mental and emotional well-being that many of our brothers and sisters face. There is a type of shame that permeates the pews. This should never be, as the Bible addressed these issues throughout the pages of the Old and New Covenants.

Mental issues are not a sign of spiritual weakness, but of spiritual connection to Almighty God. They are a profound human experience that intersects with our faith in complex and meaningful ways. The same Bible that speaks of God’s healing power also shows times when what is termed as ‘mental health’ issues were simply spiritual warfare—Elijah experiencing deep depression, David wrestling with intense emotional turmoil, and even Jesus experiencing anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane. Don’t even tell me that they were mentally ill! That would be 100% heresy.

Our faith isn’t about presenting a perfect exterior, but about authentic healing and transformation. Mental health challenges are not a punishment or a lack of faith, but an opportunity revealing God’s healing power.

Practical faith means creating safe spaces for vulnerability. It means listening without judgment, offering support without trying to “fix” everything, and recognizing that professional Christian help may be needed for further evaluation. I always recommend a strong Bible believing medical or psychiatric doctor for diagnostics and treatment.

For those struggling, remember: Your worth is not determined by your challenges. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139), loved completely by a God who sees your entire journey. Your struggle does not define you—your identity and faith is in Christ.

To church communities, the call is clear: Break the silence. Learn. Understand. Provide support. bring mental health awareness into pastoral care, small groups, and community outreach. Have Christians trained in mental health coaching to address these issues as first responders.

Have a blessed rest of your day, knowing and believing that ALL of Scripture is real and true. Ask Jesus to bless your walk and bless Him back by praise and worship. Hope to see you next post. 😉