I Have Faith and a Mental Illness

I have Jesus.

And I have anxiety.

I have faith.

And I’ve experienced depression. 

I’ve contemplated ending my life.

And God put a semicolon in my story.

I’ve had panic attacks while clinging to a Rosary in my hands.

And I’ve taken medication and done counseling. I also pray and read my Bible every day.

You can have both. You can do both.

Nothing says that because I’m a Christian, that I’m immune to mental illness.

And nothing says that because I’m a Christian, I just need to “pray more” and to not take medication or seek professional health.

It’s okay to call yourself a believer and accept help.

You’re not a bad Christian, so don’t let anyone make you feel like a less-than Christian because of your mental illness. Your faith is not weak, so don’t let someone else tell you that you just need to believe more.

I have faith and a mental illness.

And my faith in God is stronger because of it.