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Prayer For Mental Health And Understanding Mental Illness

Talking to friends and family about mental health problems can be an opportunity to provide information, support, and guidance. But prayer can also make a difference. Continue to read more about prayer for mental health and how to get help.


A Prayer For Mental Health

One of the most challenging aspects of being human in this damaged world is dealing with sorrow without easy fixes and predictable happy endings. We are all faced with daunting situations. When we don’t know what to do, we fight. Being overwhelmed can seem never-ending for people suffering from mental health issues.

We do not have guaranteed happy endings or ideal surroundings. Our aspirations are not always fulfilled. No matter how much we want things to be perfect, we live in an imperfect world full of imperfect, even harmful, people.

Nevertheless, there is hope. There is so much hope. There is some goodness. Our God is greater and more powerful than we realize. God’s presence will be with us through every trial and conflict. Prayer can ease severe distress or improve your ability to handle it.

Below are scriptures specific to different mental health challenges you can use to combat the enemy. Speak these and pray these with authority.

The word “authority” means “delegated power,” which means the value of our authority rests in power behind it. Matthew 28:18 says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” When we put our faith in God, His authority is our authority. This is excellent news because the God of the universe is the power behind our authority. We can face the enemy fearlessly when we understand this and know how to exercise that authority. Here are the scriptures for mental health:

Scripture to Combat Depression
  • Psalm 34:17 “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
  • Psalm 42:11 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
  • 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
  • Psalm 40: 1-3 1 “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.”
Scripture to Combat Anxiety
  • Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
  • Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
  • John 14:27 “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”

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Mental Illness Statistics

Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health.  For example, depression increases the risk of many physical health problems, particularly chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, chronic conditions can increase the risk of mental illness. [1]


1 in 5

1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.

Source: CDC

1 in 25

1 in 25 Americans lives with a severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.

Source: CDC

50%

More than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.

Source: CDC


Understanding Mental Illness Facts Sheet

There are more than 200 types of mental illness.  People can experience different types of mental illnesses or disorders, and they can often occur at the same time. Mental illnesses can occur over a short period of time or be episodic. This means that mental illness comes and goes with discrete beginnings and ends. Mental illness can also be ongoing or long-lasting.


The following are the latest statistics available from the National Institute of Mental Health Disorders, part of the National Institutes of Health:

  • Mental health disorders account for several of the top causes of disability in established market economies, such as the U.S. and worldwide. They include major depression (also called clinical depression), manic depression (also called bipolar disorder), schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • An estimated 26% of Americans ages 18 and older — about 1 in 4 adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.
  • Many people suffer from more than one mental disorder at a given time. In particular, depressive illnesses co-occur with substance abuse and anxiety disorders.
  • Approximately 9.5% of American adults, ages 18 and over, will suffer from a depressive illness (major depression, bipolar disorder, or dysthymia) each year.
    • Women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from major depression than men. However, men and women are equally likely to develop bipolar disorder.
    • While major depression can develop at any age, the average age at onset is the mid-20s.
    • With bipolar disorder, which affects approximately 2.6% of Americans age 18 and older in a given year — the average age at onset for a first manic episode is during the early 20s.
Many of us seek prayer for husband mental health, or looking for "prayer for my son's mental health," but this one is true: We are not alone. Many of us battle the same condition, and together we can win this, with proper help and guidance.
Many of us seek prayer for husband mental health, or looking for “prayer for my son’s mental health,” but this one is true: We are not alone. Many of us battle the same condition, and together we can win this, with proper help and guidance.
  • Most people who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental disorder — most commonly a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder.
    • Four times as many men than women commit suicide. However, women attempt suicide more often than men.
    • The highest suicide rates in the U.S. are found in Caucasian men over 85. However, suicide is also one of the leading causes of death in adolescents and adults ages 15 to 24.
  • Approximately 1% of Americans are affected by schizophrenia.
    • In most cases, schizophrenia first appears in men during their late teens or early 20s. In women, schizophrenia often first appears during their 20s or early 30s.
  • About 18% of people ages 18- 54 in a given year have an anxiety disorder in a given year. Anxiety disorders include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and phobias (social phobia, agoraphobia, and specific phobia).
    • Panic disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood.
    • The first symptoms of OCD often begin during childhood or adolescence.
    • GAD can begin at any time, though the risk is highest between childhood and middle age.
    • Individuals with OCD frequently can have problems with substance abuse or depressive or eating disorders.
    • Social phobia typically begins in childhood or adolescence.
Ryan Zofay forming a circle and hugging friends.

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Prayer For Mental Health Scripture

For the Sick Person

“O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our only help in time of need: We humbly ask that You behold, visit, and relieve those who suffer from depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses.   Look upon them with the eyes of Your mercy; comfort them with a sense of Your goodness; preserve them from the temptations of the enemy; and give them patience under their affliction. In Your good time, restore them to health, and enable them to lead the rest of their life in reverence of You and to Your glory.  Grant that finally they may dwell with You in life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.”

A catholic prayer for mental health healing

Anyone can experience mental health problems. Friends and family can make all the difference in a person’s recovery process. You can help your friend or family member by recognizing the signs of mental health problems and connecting them to professional help.

Talking to friends and family about mental health problems can be an opportunity to provide information, support, and guidance. Learning about mental health issues can lead to the following:

  • Improved recognition of early signs of mental health problems
  • Earlier treatment
  • Greater understanding and compassion

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Pray For Mental Health And Recovery

“O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to Your children who suffer with mental illnesses the help of Your power, that their sickness may be turned into health, and our concern into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.”

Catholic prayer for mental health

Praying for Mental Health, Strength, and Confidence

“Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve those challenged by serious and chronic mental and emotional illnesses.   Give Your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in Your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Prayer for mental health catholic version

Prayers can help and give comfort to us. If a friend or family member is showing signs of a mental health problem or reaching out to you for help, you can also offer support by:

  • Finding out if the person is getting the care that he or she needs and wants—if not, connect him or her to help
  • Expressing your concern and support
  • Reminding your friend or family member that help is available and that mental health problems can be treated
  • Asking questions, listening to ideas, and being responsive when the topic of mental health problems comes up
  • Reassuring your friend or family member that you care about him or her
  • Offering to help your friend or family member with everyday tasks
  • Including your friend or family member in your plans—continue to invite him or her without being overbearing, even if your friend or family member resists your invitations.
  • Educating other people by making them understand the facts about mental health problems and not discriminate
  • Treating people with mental health problems with respect, compassion, and empathy

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Prayers For Doctors, Nurses, And Mental Health Care Providers

“Sanctify, O Lord, those whom You have called to the study and practice of the arts of healing, and to the prevention disease and pain.  Strengthen them by Your life-giving Spirit, that by their ministries the health of the community may be promoted and Your creation glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Therapists are naturally compassionate, often drawing them to this career. However, listening to clients describe their struggles and trauma regularly can also affect the professional’s mental health. Even the most mentally stable individual often needs help coping with life’s challenges, such as transitional periods, family conflict, loss, and grief. Therapists also experience these hardships and need to purge emotions and receive support.

Providing therapy can be a deeply fulfilling career. What could be better than helping people overcome emotional hardship and improve their mental well-being? But assisting people in healing comes with its own set of challenges. Say a prayer for mental health professionals too.
Providing therapy can be a deeply fulfilling career. What could be better than helping people overcome emotional hardship and improve their mental well-being? But assisting people in healing comes with its own set of challenges. Say a prayer for mental health professionals too.

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Importance of Seeking Mental Health Treatment

Prayer for mental health can encourage us to carry on and have strength. Also, seek immediate assistance if you think your friend or family member is in danger of harming themselves. 
Prayer for mental health can encourage us to carry on and have strength. Also, seek immediate assistance if you think your friend or family member is in danger of harming themselves. 

Sometimes it is helpful to make a comparison to a physical illness. For example, many people get sick with a cold or the flu, but only a few get sick with something severe like pneumonia. People who have a cold are usually able to do their everyday activities. However, if they get pneumonia, they will have to take medicine and may have to go to the hospital.

Similarly, feelings of sadness, anxiety, worry, irritability, or sleep problems are typical for most people. However, when these feelings get very intense, last for an extended time, and begin to interfere with school, work, and relationships, it may be a sign of a mental health problem. And just like people need to take medicine and get professional help for physical conditions, someone with a mental health problem may need to take medicine and participate in therapy to recover.

Do you need help starting a conversation about mental health? Try leading with these questions, and listen actively to your friend or family member’s response.

  • I’ve been worried about you. Can we talk about what you are experiencing? If not, who are you comfortable talking to?
  • What can I do to help you talk about issues with your parents or someone who is responsible and cares about you?
  • What else can I help you with?
  • I am someone who cares and wants to listen. What do you want me to know about how you are feeling?
  • Who or what has helped you deal with similar issues in the past?
  • Sometimes talking to someone who has dealt with a similar experience helps. Do you know of others who have experienced these problems with whom you can talk?
  • It seems like you are going through a difficult time. How can I help you to find help?
  • How can I help you find more information about mental health problems?
  • I’m concerned about your safety. Have you thought about harming yourself or others?

When talking about mental health problems:

  • Know how to connect people to help
  • Communicate in a straightforward manner
  • Speak at a level appropriate to a person’s age and development level
  • Discuss the topic of when and where the person feels safe and comfortable
  • Watch for reactions during the discussion and slow down or back up if the person becomes confused or looks upset.

We hope you have gained strength through this article about prayer for mental health. If you think your friend or family member is in need of mental health services, you can find help by reaching us at We Level Up FL mental health treatment center.

5 Most Mental Health Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is residential treatment for mental health?

    Residential treatment is precisely what it sounds like – clients reside at the treatment center where they not only go about daily life in a supportive environment alongside peers but receive frequent support from specialized doctors, therapists, and other mental health experts.

  2. What to do when someone refuses mental health treatment?

    Struggling in recovery is a natural experience. It’s helpful to use these experiences as learning moments. It’s also messy and takes time. Sometimes good choices are made—and sometimes bad decisions are made. But hopefully, with the proper support, we get where we need to be. You may contact a mental health professional to guide you in intervention and support someone in denial. But if your loved one presents an immediate danger to themselves or someone else, or if they are having a psychotic break or a drug overdose, it may make sense to have them hospitalized against their will.

  3. How long is inpatient mental health treatment?

    An inpatient mental health can vary depending on your program and needs. Inpatient hospitalization is usually around two weeks to thirty days. These services help you get safe and stable if you are a threat to yourself or others.

  4. How much is inpatient mental health treatment?

    It depends as there’s a wide range of costs for staying in a residential treatment facility. The good news is you may be able to access several benefits from your health insurance if you have a mental health problem. Benefits can help you pay for day-to-day costs, like food, rent, and childcare. And you can claim some benefits even if you’re working.

  5. When to seek mental health treatment?

    Professional help might be needed if you experience marked changes in personality, eating, or sleeping patterns. An inability to cope with problems or daily activities. Feeling of disconnection or withdrawal from everyday activities.

Search We Level Up FL Prayer for Mental Health & Mental Health Topics & Resources
Sources

[1] About Mental Health – CDC/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[2] Mental health: strengthening our response – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

[3] Mental Illness – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

[4] Galderisi S, Heinz A, Kastrup M, Beezhold J, Sartorius N. Toward a new definition of mental health. World Psychiatry. 2015 Jun;14(2):231-3. DOI: 10.1002/wps.20231. PMID: 26043341; PMCID: PMC4471980.

[5] Manwell LA, Barbic SP, Roberts K, Durisko Z, Lee C, Ware E, McKenzie K. What is mental health? Evidence towards a new definition from a mixed methods multidisciplinary, international survey. BMJ Open. 2015 Jun 2;5(6):e007079. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-007079. PMID: 26038353; PMCID: PMC4458606.

[6] National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK). Common Mental Health Disorders: Identification and Pathways to Care. Leicester (UK): British Psychological Society (UK); 2011. (NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 123.) 2, COMMON MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92254/

[7] Krystal JH, State MW. Psychiatric disorders: diagnosis to therapy. Cell. 2014 Mar 27;157(1):201-14. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.02.042. PMID: 24679536; PMCID: PMC4104191.

[8] National Institutes of Health (US); Biological Sciences Curriculum Study. NIH Curriculum Supplement Series [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institutes of Health (US); 2007. Information about Mental Illness and the Brain. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK20369/

[9] Malla A, Joober R, Garcia A. “Mental illness is like any other medical illness”: a critical examination of the statement and its impact on patient care and society. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2015 May;40(3):147-50. DOI: 10.1503/jpn.150099. PMID: 25903034; PMCID: PMC4409431.

[10] About Mental Health – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention