Introduction
1. What Is Mental Illness?
2. Is “Mental Illness” a Helpful Label?
3. What Are the Different Kinds of Mental Illness?
4. How Is Mental Illness Different from Ordinary Sadness, Anxiety, and Confusion?
5. How Does Mental Illness Affect the Sufferer?
6. How Does Mental Illness Affect Spiritual Life?
7. How Does Mental Illness Affect Those around the Sufferer?
8. How Do People React to Having Mental Illness?
9. What Are Some Common Hurdles to Recovery?
10. What Causes Mental Illness?
11. Can a Christian Have Mental Illness?
12. What Role Do Pastors Have in Helping the Mentally Ill?
13. What Role Does the Church Community Have?
14. What Role Do Family and Friends Have?
15. What Role Do Mental Health Professionals Have?
16. What Role Does Medication Have?
17. What Role Do Biblical Counselors Have?
18. What Role Does the Sufferer Have?
19. How Can We Discern Faith and Spiritual Fruit in a Sufferer?
20. How Can We Help a Sufferer Grow Spiritually?
21. How Can We Help Sufferers Serve in the Church?
22. What Are the Biggest Challenges in Discipling a Sufferer?
23. What Are the Roles of Scripture, Prayer, and the Sacraments in a Sufferer’s Life?
24. What Are Some Things to Avoid in Ministering to Sufferers?
25. What Should We Do When a Sufferer Falls into Temptation?
26. How Can We Help Someone Who Is Suicidal?
27. How Can We Care for Caregivers?
28. How Can We Reduce the Stigma of Mental Illness?
29. How Can We Prepare for Mental Illness?
30. What Good Comes Out of Mental Illness?
The Story behind This Book
General Index
Scripture Index
Endorsements
“This project answers the important questions, and the personal stories of the authors and their commitment to making this material accessible has brought it all close enough to enhance our wisdom, patience, gentleness, and perseverance. The light on the hill will be a bit brighter because of it.”
Edward T. Welch, Counselor and Faculty Member, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation; author, I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does the Bible Say?
“I believe that this well-written book will help mental health professionals, family members, and those struggling with mental illness. It takes a complex issue and breaks it down into an organized and practical guide of help and healing.”
Bruce Langerak, DO, Internal Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“In an engaging, practical, and insightful commentary, David Murray and Tom Karel Jr. challenge the Christian community to understand and embrace the struggle of mental illness. As a clinician with more than twenty-five years of experience, I am delighted to have this resource at my fingertips. The authors offer a welcome bridge between faith and clinical applications.”
Emilie DeYoung, mental health clinician; Clinical Director, Winning at Home, Inc.
“When people and their problems get more complex and acute, two equal and opposite reactions are either to withdraw or to rush in without humility, curiosity, or wisdom. Thankfully, David Murray and Tom Karel Jr. have written a primer for pastors, small-group leaders, family, and everyone in between. I am so thankful for this book and how it has the potential to make the church a safe place for all who struggle and seek to find God’s grace in the midst of their suffering. I highly recommend this book!”
Tim S. Lane, President, Institute for Pastoral Care; President, Tim Lane & Associates; author, How People Change and Unstuck
“There are few topics that have garnered as much interest and discussion in our day as mental health and illness. That is why I’m so grateful for this incredibly helpful resource from David Murray and Tom Karel Jr. They have managed to write a succinct book that is both informative and well-researched but brims with humanity, compassion, and understanding. Whatever role you might play, you will find biblical and practical help from two seasoned individuals who are honest about not only the troubles we face but also the hope we have in Christ. This is a book I know I will return to in my care and counsel of others. I trust the same will be true for you, too.”
Jonathan Holmes, Director, Fieldstone Counseling
“A Christian’s Guide to Mental Illness is the perfect book for those who have questions about how or whether mental illness has any place in their life as a Christian. David Murray and Tom Karel Jr. walk us through questions and concerns some Christians have wrestled with regarding the field of mental health. They provide answers that are clear, practical, personal, and grounded in their deep faith.”
Mark Eastburg, CEO, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“How does Jesus view mental illness? I suspect this book comes about as close to capturing his understanding and compassion as anything I’ve read. Bringing together a God-centered approach to life with a deep sensitivity to the needs of Christians with mental illness, it is chock-full of practical wisdom and guidance to help the church become a place where such people feel safe, welcome, and supported—a place where the poor in spirit are being blessed.”
Eric L. Johnson, Professor of Christian Psychology, Houston Christian University; author, God and Soul Care: The Therapeutic Resources of the Christian Faith
