By: Kristen Barnes-Holiday
Last semester I began to ponder–and ultimately explore–the intersection between faith and mental wellness in the African American community. As July is designated as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this topic is important to consider. The dichotomy is interesting, because most Black folk grew up in the church, and therefore learned to have faith at a very young age, yet mental wellness has historically been back-burnered in the presence of faith. To be frank, historically placing faith at the forefront of our lives, has given many people within the African American community little space to even consider mental illness, wellness or overall mental health. Black folk have been taught the principle of ‘faith it til’ you make it’ and in some cases this ideology has been passed down to and through generations.
Why is faith weaponized in the African American community? And why can’t faith and mental wellness co-exist? Or can they?
Let’s explore.
I recall being at a low-point in life, and honestly I was anxious and depressed. Life was challenging and I struggled to find my way back to the light. I was having a conversation with my Dad, detailing all of my woes, with tears, and my Dad listened and empathized. After I was done talking, he offered insight and then ended his conversation with, “Kris, where is your faith?” He was not wrong; my faith was lacking. But two things can be true at the same time: I can lack faith and I can also be struggling with mental health challenges. My Dad knew this all too well, as he had spent decades selling drugs for depression and above all he is a believer in Jesus Christ. But he is also a child of Jim Crow, just slightly north of the Mason Dixie, and during this time all his people had was faith–as they used ‘Colored Only’ entrances, lived in the Valley of the Mississippi River and could only visit the neighborhood veterinarian for healthcare needs.
Though the Bible does not directly address mental wellness or illness, the Bible does highlight characters who experienced a range of emotions and encountered challenging circumstances.
For instance, let’s consider Job. Job was wealthy, possessing 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen and 500 donkeys. He was a righteous and God-fearing man. Then, he was tested by Satan, only after Satan received permission from God. Job was sad, an in fact, contemporaries might even gather that he was depressed. Though Job had always been a man of faith, his faith was tested and he was angry with God.
And many of us are familiar with this story SO we do know that Job’s wealth and faith were eventually restored.
But, I wonder if you’ve ever reached rock bottom? Have you ever been depressed like Job? Perhaps, your wealth wasn’t taken BUT your child fell ill or even died. Perhaps, your marriage was broken. As a once healthy and thriving individual, maybe you suddenly become ill.
And as the uncertainties of life unfolded, how did your faith withstand amongst your suffering?
Though it’s easy to fall into the trap where we believe that “frothing it until we make it,” is the only solution, I pray that you took time to breathe, dissect your circumstances and even ask God questions. I too pray that you sought the support and counsel that you so desperately needed, likely.
And as we near the closing of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, while I recognize that Black folks’ perspective on mental illness, wellness and counseling has somewhat shifted, it too is my sincere prayer that my people understand that it is OK to not be OK; it is OK to also seek counsel from mental health professionals.
Two things can be true: 1.) One can have faith in God and 2.) believe that God has blessed an entire field of people with the knowledge and skills to help folks out of mental darkness.
Jesus is with you in your suffering, just as you feel His presence in your joy. And there is an entire field of people waiting to serve you, should you need their services.
Be well.
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