It’s OK Not to Be OK: Mental Health and the Church

A few years ago, I took the courage to share my personal story of suffering with depression. I didn’t know what to expect—but what I found was an outpouring of love and support. Many people came forward and shared their own stories of mental health struggles. That solidarity and honesty were deeply comforting. Members of Muswell Hill Methodist Church were fantastic, and I remain grateful for their kindness.

Since then, I’ve reflected on the wider context we’re living in. From the global pandemic to the continuing cost-of-living crisis, our society is under intense pressure. It’s no wonder we’re facing a growing mental health crisis across the UK. During my current sabbatical, I’ve been focusing on different aspects of inclusivity. One area that’s especially close to my heart is how the Christian Church responds to mental health.

The Bible isn’t silent on the subject of mental anguish. Elijah, fearing for his life at the hands of Queen Jezebel, sat down under a broom tree and prayed for God to take his life (1 Kings 19). Job suffered the loss of everything and cried out in pain. Even Jesus, hanging on the cross, cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). These are powerful, relatable moments. They remind us that even in Scripture, we find people feeling overwhelmed, abandoned, and mentally burdened.

So what can the Church do? What does real support for mental health look like in our congregations?

Here are some practical, compassionate steps:

1. Offer a safe and welcoming space — where people can come exactly as they are, without fear or judgement.

2. Acknowledge that mental health struggles are often invisible — Jesus spoke of worshipping the God who is unseen; similarly, someone may look "fine" on the outside but be struggling deeply within.

3. Recognise the breadth of mental health conditions — from depression and bipolar disorder to eating disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.

4. Be a listening ear — truly hearing someone can mean more than we know.

5. Commit to non-judgement — a diagnosis doesn’t define a person’s value or spiritual worth.

6. Mark Mental Health Awareness months — speak openly in worship and community events to reduce stigma and build understanding.

In Young, Woke, and Christian, Annika Mathews writes: “Having a mental illness does not render one incapable of ministering effectively.” That really resonates with me.

There have been times in my own ministry when I felt dismissed or overlooked. I wasn’t included in key leadership discussions with our District Chair and Circuit Steward around Superintendency. The reason given? I was too young. I’m nearly 39 now—older than some professional footballers. The youngest person to travel to space was 18, and Iceland’s Prime Minister, Kristrún Mjöll Frostadóttir, is 37. 

That experience of exclusion contributed to my depression. But it’s also fuelled my determination to grow in leadership and to ensure that others never feel sidelined in the same way. I’m more committed than ever to building teams grounded in trust—where gossip and dishonesty are not tolerated. Sadly, in the Church, ministers and laity alike can sometimes cause harm by being untruthful or judgemental. And that breaks trust. We might have something to learn from society when it comes to honesty and integrity.

When I form teams in my own ministry, I choose people I trust—people who will uplift rather than undermine, who will love rather than tear down. Because we are all made in the image of God. And in a world that is desperate for love, the Church must lead by example.

Sometimes, the Church can be its own worst enemy. It can miss the mark when it comes to walking alongside people with compassion. But the most powerful message we can share is this: It’s OK not to be OK. Mental health is often hidden. We need to keep reminding ourselves of that truth.

Annika Mathews also writes: “Those with mental illness should feel loved and included and treated equally like fellow children of God.” Yes. That’s the vision we need to live out—every single day.

Let’s be a community that embraces this truth, breaks the silence, and supports one another with compassion, courage, and grace.

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