This is the final article in a series on faith and mental health, which has explored so far: Can Christians suffer from mental health issues? , Mental health: From religious stigma to Jesus’ compassion , Four Christian practices to care for your mental health , Families suffer – and heal – together and Seven biblical criteria for examining extraordinary visions and voices.

The interaction between faith and mental health is a topic Christians need to understand not only for their own wellbeing, but also in order to lovingly care for those who suffer in this area.

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I conclude this series by recommending resources for a wise and compassionate understanding of mental health.

The Sanctuary course

This beautifully-produced series of videos tells stories of Christians who struggle with anxiety, depression, anorexia, psychosis, and other forms of mental suffering, alongside interviews with experts and instructions on how churches can serve these beloved brothers and sisters.

It is a precious (and free!) resource for individuals and churches.

‘Emotionally healthy spirituality’ by Pete Scazzero

In this brave book, the author tells the story of how he almost sunk his marriage in the pursuit of ministry success.

Fortunately, his wife’s intervention (told in Geri Scazzero’s book I Quit!) and Pete Scazzero’s willingness to be challenged and grow led them toward a human-sized and sustainable ministry model.

Scazzero started a ministry on this topic and has also written Emotionally healthy leader and Emotionally healthy discipleship.

‘Struggling with God: Mental health and Christian spirituality’ by Christopher Cook, Isabelle Hamley, and John Swinton

Written by a Christian psychiatrist, a pastor-scholar, and a leading disability theologian, Struggling with God helps believers acknowledge the reality of mental affliction and see it through redemptive lenses.

Each of these authors has also written other fine books about the interplay of faith and mental health.

‘Mental health: A guide for faith leaders’ by the American Psychiatric Association

Pastors are often act as first respondents to those who suffer.

This booklet helps faith leaders be acquainted with the topic, notice symptoms that might be distinguished from spiritual factors, and wisely refer church members to appropriate mental health professionals.

‘The burden of sympathy: How families cope with mental illness’ by David Karp

When someone suffers, her whole family suffers. This puts tremendous pressure on intimate relationships, which have to negotiate conflicting interpretations, cope with losses, and manage intense emotions toward the illness that disrupted the home.

David Karp helps families to understand their suffering from a systemic perspective and to live with greater balance and serenity.

I hope this series on faith and mental health has enriched your understanding and given you tools to better care for yourself and those you love.

I conclude it with a biblical blessing, wishing that it may become a profound reality in your life.

‘The Lord bless you

    and keep you;

 the Lord make his face shine on you

    and be gracious to you;

 the Lord turn his face toward you

    and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24–26

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