Your mental health matters.

While mental health can be pretty complicated, you can start by caring for your emotional health. Your emotional health begins exactly where you would guess – your mind. It’s easy to get carried away by anxious or negative thoughts. We don’t have to, though. While it’s no easy task and there is no magic switch that will eliminate every negative thought or behavior, there is a God who knows every thought you have and He cares.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

How do I change my thoughts?

We hand over the keys. We break the cycle of negative thoughts by taking them captive to Christ.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

Okay, but…how?

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:13

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” – Romans 8:26

How do I help my mental health today?

Check out the tips below from The Light FM’s Show Hosts: Carol, Tricia and Brenda!

“Fight fear with a promise from God’s Word. Each day, choose a promise to hold onto. And when you feel like your mind is starting to spiral, repeat that verse until you feel God’s peace return to you! I did that last week-I was in a tight space and feeling at risk for having panic. I kept repeating: Cast all your cares on God-for He cares for you. I said it over and over again. And God gave me peace. If He did it for me, He will do it for you, too!”  – Tricia

“Praying, meditating and deep breaths all day – when stress or negative thinking happens in the spur of the moment this is my go-to!” – Brenda

“Rest. There’s a reason that Jesus tells everyone who is weary to come to Him for rest. We need it!” – Carol

“Never leave your exercise to chance! I will never “find the time” to exercise! I have to schedule it into my day-the same way I have to schedule a doctor’s appointment or a meeting! I put it into my calendar and tell my family, so I am more likely to follow through.” – Tricia

“I took the pressure off myself to run a certain distance or a or certain type of workout but I make sure I move for 30 minutes each day. Walk, run, waddle, shuffle, dance. Everything counts!” – Carol

“Hiking helps me with rest. If I am busy and stressed I need down time, hiking helps refuel me.” – Brenda

Remember you are not alone.

“I love to volunteer at homeless shelters and food banks. It helps me to get my mind off of my own problems. I love to see smiles on peoples’ faces when they know they have food for their families!” – Brenda

“If you are in a season where you don’t have much time to see your friends in person, a great way to connect is to do an online Bible study together. For example, The You Version Bible App has online Bible studies that you can do with someone wherever they are. I am currently doing one with my roommate from college, who lives in Illinois. It is a great way to share life and grow spiritually together!” – Tricia

“We need community and accountability because nothing grows in isolation.” – Carol

Mental health resources

If we are going to go to the source of hope, we have to go to God’s Word. Remember to check out The You Version Bible App for a verse of the day, Bible studies, reading plans and devotionals.

If you need to pray with someone, call the Billy Graham Prayer Line: 855-255-7729

Pastor Greg Laurie (heard on The Light FM every weekday at 9am) wrote this quick read: How to Deal with Depression

Focus on the Family Mental Health Resource Page

Dr. Patricia Landry talks about 7 Ways to Improve Mental Health Within Your Family in this article from Focus on the Family.

Find out why mental health is important for your family – and how you can help your children, in this article.

Read how following Jesus can seriously improve your mental health in this article by Focus on the Family.

Listen to this two-part Focus on the Family podcast: What To Do When You’re Not Okay

You matter. You are loved. You are not alone.