Being a parent is more than simply raising a child—it’s a journey of nurturing, guiding, and finding purpose even when life presents its toughest emotional battles. In this post on finding faith in the midst of mental health struggles, I share my own story and how scripture has become my compass in moments of doubt, anxiety, and loneliness.
Embracing the Blueprint
Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” At 19, I found myself overtaken by the challenge of guiding my child on a Godly path while facing my own struggles. As I embarked on this journey of finding faith in the midst of mental health struggles, I quickly learned that purpose finds us in our vulnerabilities. Our daily battles—whether it is being anxious, feeling overwhelmed, depression, lonely, or defeated—there is opportunities to lean on our faith and trust that we are not alone.
Anxiety: Casting Your Cares on Him
Anxiety can grip your heart like a vise, filling each moment with worry. In 1 Peter 5:7, we are given this beautiful reminder: “Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.” In my own experience of finding faith in the midst of mental health struggles , there has been times when anxiety threatened to steal my peace. When you feel overwhelmed, try speaking these words in prayer: “God, I am casting my anxieties onto you. This burden is too heavy for me to carry alone.” Each time you reclaim your worry for His care, you make space for His guidance.
Overwhelm: Living One Day at a Time
Some days, my to-do list feels as long as a grocery receipt and the pressure of parenting mounts like never before. Matthew 6:34 advises, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Whether you’re busy planning morning routines or juggling unexpected challenges, remember that finding faith in the midst mental health struggles means trusting God to handle tomorrow. Lean on Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” and let today’s grace be enough as you surrender future worries into His hands.
Depression: Finding Light in the Valley
There have been moments when I lay in bed, feeling anchored by depression and unable to summon the energy to care for even the simplest needs. Yet, in those darkest moments, 2 Timothy 1:7 resounded within me: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Through finding faith in the midst of mental health struggles, I learned that even when I was functioning at a minimum, God’s strength was my constant companion. You are not broken or a bad parent—the light of Christ can usher you out of the deepest valleys.
Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
Loneliness: Embracing Community
Parenting can be isolating, especially when you feel like you’re shouldering the load alone. In these moments of solitude, remember that finding faith in the midst mental health struggles is not meant to be a solitary journey. Reach out to your local church or community and find solace in fellowship. Connecting with like-minded believers can offer both comfort and renewed purpose in your parenting journey. Romans 8:38-39 undoubtably states: “For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”.
In those times of loneliness remember how loved you are, and that you are not alone. There is nothing that will ever take you away from the love of God.
Defeat: Stepping into New Hope
Every parent encounters moments of defeat. A few years back, I even carried a pair of running shoes to “run away” from my troubles. Yet, in those challenging times, Hebrews 13:5 reminded me, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” Even when defeat seemed overwhelming, finding faith in the midst of mental health struggles taught me that new hope awaits each day. God supplies every need and reassures us that failure is never final when we lean on His everlasting love.
It is never too late to heal, rebuild, or change your circumstances. You will not feel like this forever. There is always a way forward. One key step is shifting focus away from what cannot be changed. Parenthood—and life itself—is trial and error. Instead of dwelling on failures, seek what works for you, and trust God to guide you on this journey.
Today’s Heartfelt Reflection
Ultimately, finding faith in the midst of mental health struggles is not about achieving perfection—it’s about perseverance, faith, and embracing the transformative power of scripture. Every time you feel overwhelmed, turn to prayer and let the powerful words of Jesus be your guide. In Colossians 3:21 counsels, “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”
May you lead your children with intentional actions and a heart full of faith. Remember Psalms 139:13-14: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
As you walk this path, know that with every prayer and every step forward, you are living out the true essence of finding faith in the midst of mental health struggles. Let your faith be stronger than your challenges, and may you always find comfort in God’s unending grace.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26