Signs of Mental Stress: A Faith-Based Perspective

Common Signs of Mental Stress

1. Emotional Signs

• Irritability or Mood Swings: Feeling easily frustrated or snapping at loved ones may indicate stress. Scripture calls us to embody the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV). Stress can make this difficult.
• Anxiety or Overwhelm: Persistent worry or feeling unable to cope are signals of stress. God invites us to trust Him: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, NKJV).
• Low Mood or Loss of Joy: If worship, prayer, or fellowship feels burdensome, stress may be at play. It’s time to join with your Recovery Coach and pray. If you don’t have a recovery coach, pray with another strong believer who you trust and who understands your recovery journey.

2. Physical Signs

• Fatigue or Low Energy: Chronic stress can leave you drained, even after rest. God offers restoration: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:1-3, NKJV).
• Sleep Disturbances: Trouble sleeping or unrestful sleep is common under stress. Entrusting worries to God will calm the mind when you allow Jesus to calm your storm. I always tell clients to “find the Eye of your storm”…. the ‘Eye’ being Jesus.
• Headaches or Muscle Tension: Stress often causes physical tension, like headaches or tight shoulders. Prayer, Scripture Meditation with a background of very soft instrumental praise music, and gentle movement can help.

3. Cognitive Signs

• Difficulty Concentrating: Stress can hinder focus, even in prayer or Bible study. Scripture calls us to renew our minds: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2, NKJV).
• Forgetfulness: Missing appointments or forgetting details may reflect an overloaded mind.
• Negative Thinking: Self-criticism or pessimism can emerge under stress, requiring alignment with God’s truth.

4. Behavioral Signs

• Withdrawal from Community: Pulling away from church or loved ones is a red flag. Scripture urges fellowship: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NKJV). At the least, contact your Recovery Coach and have a session with prayer… that’s what a recovery coach is designed for.
• Changes in Appetite: Overeating, undereating, or unhealthy food choices can stem from stress, affecting physical health.
• Procrastination or Avoidance: Avoiding responsibilities may indicate stress is overwhelming your capacity.

5. Spiritual Signs

• Feeling Distant from God: Stress can make prayer or worship feel empty. You can be certain that God remains near: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NKJV).
• Doubts or Guilt: Questioning faith or feeling guilty for struggling is common. God’s love still endures, aside for what you ‘feel’: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, NKJV).
• Loss of Purpose: Stress can obscure your calling. Remember always that God’s promises renew hope. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV) says, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”

A Faith-Based Response to Mental Stress

Recognizing these signs is an act of stewardship over the life and purpose God has entrusted to you. Here are faith-rooted steps to address mental stress:

1. Turn to Prayer and Scripture: Bring burdens to God, trusting His peace: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV).
2. Contact your Recovery Coach who is trained to help you cope with these types of mental health issues.
3. Seek Fellowship: Share your struggles with trusted believing friends or a pastor: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, NKJV).
4. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize rest, healthy eating, and exercise, honoring God’s temple, which is your body.
5. Set Boundaries: Learn to say NO to non-essential demands, creating space for God and others.
6. Consider Professional Psychological Support: A Christian counselor can integrate faith into healing, offering tools to cope. If you have a recovery coach, they are trained to know when to suggest this step, and they won’t hesitate to do so.

Finding Hope in Christ

Mental stress is not a sign of weak faith; even Jesus faced anguish in His earthly life: “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44, NKJV). Recognizing stress allows you to seek restoration in God, your refuge: “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NKJV). Trust God and know that he works through struggles to bring peace and purpose.

As a faith community, let’s uplift one another, pointing to the hope in Christ. If you’re stressed, pause to pray, connect with your Recovery Coach, a believing close friend, or just rest. God is with you every step on your path: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26, NKJV).

Have a blessed rest of your day as you give yourself permission to rest in Jesus, the One who gifted you with the breath of life. Your comments are always welcome in this community. Please subscribe to get alerts whenever I post.