Joy and Depression Aren’t Mutually Exclusive

In our Christian journey, we often hear about the importance of joy. This can sometimes be interpreted as an expectation to be constantly happy or untroubled, no matter the circumstances. But when we delve deeper, we discover that joy, in the Christian context, goes beyond mere happiness. It is about being rooted and connected to Jesus, in spite of our emotional or mental state.

Understanding Joy in the Midst of Struggles

One common misconception is that experiencing depression or other mental health struggles somehow diminishes our faith or makes us “bad Christians.” Yet, joy, as the Bible describes it, is not dependent on our feelings. It’s an abiding sense of peace and hope that comes from being connected to God, even when we are in the midst of suffering.

Joy is about knowing that our relationship with Christ is steady, even when our emotions fluctuate. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges don’t erase our faith or our connection to God. They are part of the human experience in a broken world, and they do not invalidate our spiritual joy.

The Church: A Place for Healing and Acceptance

As we approach World Mental Health Day, it’s important to reflect on how churches can better support those navigating mental illness. Our faith communities should be places where people feel safe to express their pain, struggle, and questions. We can weep, laugh, and wrestle with life’s hardships, all while standing firm in our faith in Jesus.

Being vulnerable about our mental health doesn’t make us weak or less faithful. Rather, it invites the grace of God into our darkest moments. It’s vital that churches create environments where mental health is openly discussed, without judgment, and where individuals feel supported on their journeys to healing.

Mental Illness Doesn’t Define You

If you are a Christian struggling with depression, know this: your mental health does not define you or your faith. You are still deeply loved by God, and nothing can separate you from His love. Joy and depression can coexist. You can feel deep sorrow and still cling to the hope that God is with you.

Christians aren’t called to a life free of difficulties, but we are promised that Jesus will be with us through every storm. Depression doesn’t negate the joy we have in Christ—it’s a reminder that our joy is rooted not in our circumstances but in our Saviour.

As we take this opportunity to raise awareness for mental health, let’s remind ourselves and our communities that living with mental illness doesn’t diminish our identity as Christians. Instead, it offers us a chance to experience God’s grace in a profound and personal way.

Creating Safe Spaces in the Church

Let’s work toward making our churches places of refuge for those struggling with mental health. We must encourage open discussions about depression and remind each other that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It’s okay to seek professional help, to share our burdens with trusted friends, and to pray through our pain. The church should be a place where we can be real about our struggles while finding comfort in the eternal hope that God offers.

This World Mental Health Day, let’s commit to fostering environments where joy and struggle can coexist, and where all people are met with compassion, support, and grace. As we lean on God, we can find comfort in knowing that our worth and faith are not measured by our mental state, but by the love and grace of Christ.

About the Writer

Naa Kwaamah Vanderpuye is the founder of the NaaKwaamah Faith and Mental Health Community and a Clinical Psychologist in Doctoral Training. She currently resides in the UK