Psalm 38:6 KJV – “I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.”

When we read the Bible, we tend to read it as black words on white paper. We fail many times to remember that the great men and women we read about, that were used of God and accomplished great and miraculous things were at the end of the day, men and women.

They faced difficulties and hardship, much like we all do. Sometimes as a result, they would get down, discouraged, and depressed. There is a lot of stigma related to mental health but even the best, most Godly person you know is susceptible to these things.

David was a man after God’s own heart, yet expressed throughout the Psalms his anguish, loneliness, fear and guilt. 

After a great victory on Mt. Carmel, we find Elijah under a juniper tree wishing he would die.

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, displayed great spiritual faith and strength but wrestled with a sense of failure and despair. 

Peter quit the ministry and Judas’ guilt drove him to suicide. 

Struggling with mental health, discouragement and depression doesn’t mean you are wrong with God, it means you are human. 

There are some steps we can take that will help when we find ourselves in this struggle. First, know your limits when you need help. It is not weak to admit we need help. Don’t suffer in silence. You are not alone, and may need outside support.

Secondly, surround yourself with support, even if it is just a few people. Jesus had 12 disciples, 3 he was close to and only one he trusted to care for his own mother.

Thirdly, take care of you. Self care is not selfish. Set healthy boundaries, come apart, and rest.

Finally, know this: your struggle is something you are going through, NOT who you are. It won’t last forever.