MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
FINDING PEACE IN THE STORM
Anxiety and depression are real. So is God's presence with you.
Faith and professional help work together
If you're struggling with anxiety or depression, please consider talking to a mental health professional. Seeking help is not a lack of faith — it's wisdom. God often works through counselors, therapists, and doctors.
FIRST, HEAR THIS:
- Your struggle is not a sign of weak faith.
- Many heroes of faith battled despair — David, Elijah, Jeremiah.
- God doesn't condemn you for feeling this way.
- You are not alone, and this does not define you.
GOD'S WORDS FOR ANXIOUS HEARTS
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:6-7
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.”
— Isaiah 41:10
“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee.”
— Psalm 55:22
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God.”
— Psalm 42:11
WHEN ANXIETY HITS: GROUNDING TECHNIQUES
These can help when you're feeling overwhelmed. Try them alongside prayer.
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
- 1Name 5 things you can see
- 2Name 4 things you can touch
- 3Name 3 things you can hear
- 4Name 2 things you can smell
- 5Name 1 thing you can taste
Box Breathing
- 1Breathe in for 4 seconds
- 2Hold for 4 seconds
- 3Breathe out for 4 seconds
- 4Hold for 4 seconds
- 5Repeat 4 times
Scripture Breathing
- 1Choose a short verse
- 2Breathe in: "The LORD is..."
- 3Breathe out: "...my shepherd"
- 4Let the words anchor you
- 5Repeat until calm
DAILY PRACTICES THAT HELP
Start small with Scripture
Don't pressure yourself to read chapters. One verse, meditated on slowly, can be enough. Try Psalm 23 or Philippians 4:6-7.
Honest prayer is good prayer
You don't need eloquent words. "God, I'm struggling. Help me." is a complete prayer.
Move your body
Even a short walk can help. Your body and mind are connected. Movement often brings relief.
Connect with someone
Isolation feeds anxiety and depression. One trusted person who knows how you're really doing makes a difference.
Limit news and social media
Information overload fuels anxiety. It's okay to step back and protect your peace.
Gratitude, even small
Name three tiny things you're grateful for. It doesn't fix everything, but it can shift perspective slightly.
WE'RE HERE FOR YOU
If you're in crisis:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Emergency: Call 911
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
PSALM 27:1