https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/mental-health/rss.xml A catalog of articles, videos, and specific stories about depression, suicide, and those affected by them. Copyright https://www.crosswalk.com 2026, Crosswalk.com Mon, 25 May 2026 20:01:36 -0400 https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/mental-health/5-myths-you-need-to-understand-about-ocd.html https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/mental-health/5-myths-you-need-to-understand-about-ocd.html Peyton Garland https://www.crosswalk.com/author/peyton-garland/ OCD UK states that Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is “the sixth largest contributor to non-fatal health loss globally.” Why is it non-fatal? Well, there are no formal, scientific publications to produce evidence of OCD-based deaths to say otherwise. However, just because it isn’t on paper doesn’t mean it’s not real. I know of someone who committed suicide after being unable to work though/live with this mental condition. The intrusive, debilitating thoughts that looped through her mind, over and over, stealing her ability to function, were simply too much. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feel unsafe, reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.What OCD Really Feels LikeThis is my story. I was diagnosed with OCD in 2019 and have since been an advocate for others with the same mental condition. I’m well aware of the depressive thoughts and debilitating weight OCD places on the heart and mind. Truth be told, I was unable to keep a full-time job in my early twenties because of OCD. I’ve been in a car wreck because of a compulsive thought that I “needed” to give in to. I’ve been in therapy for years. If that isn’t enough, I’ve been labeled “depressed,” “anxious,” and suffering from a mental disorder that “has no cure.” Meanwhile, dishearteningly enough, in today’s society, even as mental health awareness is on the rise, people still casually throw around the (false) idea that they are “so OCD.” Whether they are trying to explain their need for order or desire to keep things clean, it’s a misconstrued, damaging idea. As a result, those who truly struggle with the disorder can easily assume they don’t have OCD since their struggles are so much deeper than the casual symptoms of desiring to color-coordinate one’s clothes. They don’t get the proper treatment and are only debilitated even further. OCD is not a preference for order or cleanliness; it is a serious mental health disorder marked by intrusive thoughts, compulsive responses, distress, and daily-life impairment.Why OCD Stereotypes Are Finally Being ChallengedNoah Kahan, an American singer-songwriter, has recently spoken about his fight against OCD, which has many people discussing the true nature of the disorder. Kahan told Rolling Stones, “I was under the influence of the idea that OCD was like, ‘I need to wash my hands a hundred times.’ But I didn’t realize how much more there was to it. I started putting all these pieces together from my childhood, and these different rituals I’ve had my whole life. It wasn’t just anxiety or being stressed. It was this real insidious disorder that I was struggling with.” He even opened up about his intrusive thoughts: “I was convinced something was happening that was not happening, or that I had said something that I just didn’t say… I could convince myself that I ran somebody over, knowing for a fact that I didn’t see another person on the road.” Thus, it only makes sense that we discuss how vital it is to dismantle OCD’s most common stereotypes so its true victims can find help and, most desirable, freedom:Photo Credit: Unsplash/Alexandra Gorn Fri, 22 May 2026 15:00:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:01:36-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/what-parental-burnout-says-about-the-cost-of-carrying-too-much.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/what-parental-burnout-says-about-the-cost-of-carrying-too-much.html Amber Ginter https://www.crosswalk.com/author/amber-ginter/ Parenting is a blessing, but for many moms and dads, it can also become a source of deep depletion. What does parental burnout reveal about overload, unrealistic expectations, and the false belief that good parents must carry everything? Jesus invites weary parents into rest, wisdom, and faithful stewardship. Fri, 22 May 2026 13:21:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:01:36-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/mental-health/why-we-must-embrace-gods-call-to-rest-when-burnout-hits.html https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/mental-health/why-we-must-embrace-gods-call-to-rest-when-burnout-hits.html Cindi McMenamin https://www.crosswalk.com/author/cindi-mcmenamin/ Burnout is not an indication of your lack of faith or spiritual perseverance. Rather, it’s an overdue invitation—or command—to fully embrace God’s call to rest. Sun, 17 May 2026 18:35:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:01:36-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/5-sneaky-lies-your-anxiety-tells-you-are-true.html https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/5-sneaky-lies-your-anxiety-tells-you-are-true.html Sophia Bricker https://www.crosswalk.com/author/sophia-bricker/ In The Lord of the Rings, King Theoden becomes enfeebled by listening to the words of Wormtongue, his advisor. These lies poison the mind of the King of Rohan and keep him from being a threat to the evil wizard Saruman.Only when the lies of Wormtongue are exposed by Gandalf the White is Theoden freed from the bondage and able to see the truth.Characters like Wormtongue remind us of an important lesson: be careful who you listen to.We all recognize the need to heed that advice, but we often do not apply it to the voice in our heads that speaks up when we are anxious and afraid. This voice can debilitate and hinder us. People who live with anxiety know all too well what these words are and what they sound like.Listening to the whispers of anxiety is not wise because they are not words of truth. Rooted in fear and worry, anxiety tells us lies that can keep us from living in faith.We must learn to tune out these words and instead listen to the truth. Using Scripture, we can fight against the twisted words of fear. For truly, those words can sometimes come from the enemy.The first step in combating the lies of anxiety is learning to identify them. Sometimes, in our fearfulness, we can rationalize the worry we feel and make convincing excuses for our anxiety. We may even feel that the words that pop into our heads during anxious times are true.To fight against the lies of anxiety, we must practice discernment and test everything against Scripture. We cannot always control the flood of fearful thoughts that overwhelm us during stressful and trying times, but we can control how we respond. By applying the Bible to our lives, we can learn to combat lies with truth.An important note before we begin: if you find that your feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, or fear continue, do not be afraid to reach out to someone you trust. Persistent and chronic anxiety could be a sign of an anxiety disorder or could be connected to other issues, such as depression.A trusted family member, friend, or ministry leader can help you find a Christian counselor or therapist. There is nothing wrong with seeking help and you should not feel afraid to do so if your anxiety is crippling.Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Georgijevic Thu, 14 May 2026 08:30:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:01:36-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/4-stress-personalities-which-one-are-you.html https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/4-stress-personalities-which-one-are-you.html Dr. Michelle Bengtson Stress looks different on everyone. We each carry a unique “stress-response personality.” Let’s look at four of the most common patterns I’ve seen during my years treating patients in my practice and the faith-adjustment each one needs. Thu, 07 May 2026 11:30:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:01:36-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/9-scriptures-to-hold-on-to-when-the-world-feels-chaotic.html https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/9-scriptures-to-hold-on-to-when-the-world-feels-chaotic.html Wynita Walther https://www.crosswalk.com/author/wynita-walthe/ Sometimes life throws curveballs we never see coming. One moment, it feels like things are finally falling into place: our goals are set, the calendar is full, the health reports are good, the kids are doing okay, and we’re even staying consistent with our faith routines. But then, suddenly, chaos strikes. A crisis hits. The unexpected shatters our rhythm. The headlines overwhelm. Our plans unravel. Our dreams get disrupted. And almost in an instant, we find ourselves standing in a new reality, one where everything feels uncertain, unfamiliar... even chaotic.In moments like these, we don’t need more opinions or information; we need truth. Deep, soul-anchoring, can’t deny its truth. This is what I often tell my clients: Run to the throne, not the phone. Because in seasons of chaos, only God’s voice has the power to steady our hearts and provide clarity. It’s His Word that reminds us of who He is, what we carry, and what we’re still called to believe, even when nothing around us makes sense.There are no guarantees in this life, only opportunities to believe. Life is full of invitations to trust more deeply, to grow in faith, and to lean not on what we see but on who we know: the God who loves us, holds us, and never changes.As I write this, I can’t help but think of the story in Numbers 13, when Moses sent twelve spies to scout the Promised Land. Ten came back with fear, a negative report full of doubt and dread. Only two returned with faith. Think about that: less than 20% of the people entrusted with a testimony of God’s promise actually believed it. And not only did the ten reject what God had said, they convinced others to do the same. Their disbelief didn’t just cost them personally; it created a ripple effect that robbed an entire generation of their blessing.Let that sink in. God spoke blessings. He offered a promise. Yet most of the people chose fear over faith. They saw the opportunity but didn’t believe they were worthy to receive it, or that God was good enough to give it. And that kind of disbelief? It’s more than hesitation. The bible calls it sin, as it is a rejection of God’s power, character, and love.When the world feels chaotic, when our thoughts spiral and our hope feels shaky, it’s usually a sign that fear and disbelief are knocking at the door. That’s our cue to realign. To be like the two who believed. To refuse to let fear speak louder than God’s voice.If you’re in a storm right now- mentally, emotionally, or culturally, I want to invite you to take your eyes off the waves and fix your gaze on truth. When life feels chaotic, uncertain, or overwhelming, it’s easy to assume something’s gone wrong. But Scripture shows us again and again that even in disorder, God is not absent. He is working. He is refining. He is inviting us into deeper trust.From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with people who faced fear, disruption, and the unknown. In those moments, God didn’t simply remove the chaos. He revealed His character. His Word offers both truth and transformation. It is not a quick fix but a steady anchor.The following nine Scriptures, along with a powerful bonus verse, are more than inspirational lines to read in passing. Each one reveals something about God’s heart, offers a strategy for spiritual resilience, and reminds us of who we are, even when the world around us feels unstable.You’ll find encouragement to keep going, wisdom for how to think and respond, and gentle correction when fear begins to take root. These verses do not promise that the storm will pass immediately. Instead, they offer spiritual tools to help you stay steady, stand firm, and grow stronger in faith, even when everything else feels out of control.Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/whoislimos Thu, 07 May 2026 01:00:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:01:36-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-can-christians-overcome-the-darkness-of-life.html https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-can-christians-overcome-the-darkness-of-life.html Michelle S. Lazurek https://www.crosswalk.com/author/michelle-lazurek/ No matter how dark things may seem, light can spread through the darkness and illuminate our lives. No matter what level of darkness is present in our lives, Jesus gives us the hope to live in freedom. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:58:23 -0400 2026-05-25T20:01:36-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/plus/featured-plus-pdfs/mental-health-toolkit-prayers-podcasts-and-scripture-for-healing.html https://www.crosswalk.com/plus/featured-plus-pdfs/mental-health-toolkit-prayers-podcasts-and-scripture-for-healing.html Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff https://www.crosswalk.com/author/compiled-and-edited-by-crosswalk-editorial-staff/ If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, or the weight of daily stress, know that there is no shame in your struggle and there is a path toward wholeness. God cares deeply about your mental health, and He provides us with the tools of faith, community, and professional wisdom to help us through our daily struggles.In this mental health toolkit, we have gathered three comprehensive guides to support your journey:Explore six transformative mindsets and eight targeted prayers designed to invite God’s peace into the midst of depression and anxiety. Gain access to expert guidance from licensed psychologists, featuring curated podcasts and treatment resources to help navigate the clinical side of mental health.Discover five specific, grounding Bible verses tailored for moments of crisis, helping to halt the "spiral" of anxiety and provide a steady anchor in the Word of God.Download this Mental Health Toolkit below and find the lasting rest God intends for you.*Editorial Note: This resource is provided for general informational purposes, and some parts included were not written by a licensed mental health professional. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, please seek help immediately. You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or connect with a trusted medical professional, counselor, or pastor. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:13:08 -0400 2026-05-25T20:01:36-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/mental-health/what-emotional-flooding-says-about-our-age-of-overwhelm.html https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/mental-health/what-emotional-flooding-says-about-our-age-of-overwhelm.html Aubrey Sampson https://www.crosswalk.com/author/aubrey-sampson/ Emotional flooding has given many people a name for something they have felt for years but never fully understood. This thoughtful article explores why overwhelm feels so common today, how Jesus meets people in the flood, and what practical tools can help when emotions become too intense to manage alone. It is a compassionate, deeply human reflection on distress, embodiment, and God’s presence. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:50:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:01:36-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/5-sneaky-habits-that-cause-serious-mental-health-problems.html https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/5-sneaky-habits-that-cause-serious-mental-health-problems.html Jessica Brodie https://www.crosswalk.com/author/jessica-brodie/ Mental health is something talked about a lot today. In general, mental health refers to our emotional, social, and psychological well-being. Just as physical health refers to the overall well-being of our body—from fitness to body composition to the absence of chronic illness or disease—mental health is when our minds are in good shape. Our minds encompass emotions, feelings, and cognition. When we’re healthy mentally, our thoughts and feelings are balanced and regular. Typically, being healthy mentally means we are able to cope with stress easily and productively and manage our emotions effectively, so we control them instead of our emotions controlling us.The Bible prioritizes mental health. As Proverbs 4:23 proclaims, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (NIV). The Hebrew word used here for “heart”, leb, translates to the inner self, the seat of thought and emotion.Mental health problems occur when we are not healthy mentally, whether that’s from diagnosed mental illness (such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.) or from going through a short-term period of mental imbalance. Diagnosed, long-term, ongoing mental illness is sometimes a chemical disorder best treated by seeking the advice and guidance of a trained mental health doctor, counselor, or pastor—just as serious physical illness, such as cancer or diabetes— is best treated through the care of a physician. Mental illness might be caused by other things, such as genetics or trauma (such as war or abuse).But sometimes, mental health problems are caused by the things we are doing on a regular basis that derail us from balanced, synchronized thoughts and feelings. These habits unsettle and overturn our efforts to achieve peace and serenity emotionally and mentally, and sometimes we don’t even realize we’re causing this to happen.Here are five sneaky habits that cause serious mental health problems:Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:48:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:01:36-04:00