A Christian's Guide to Mental Illness

A Mental Health Q&A from a Christian Perspective

After the fall, the world was disordered from structure to chaos—negatively altering the nature of human emotions. Today, we witness its impact as mental health concerns surge and people continue to suffer. How should Christians approach the topic of mental health? What is the most Christlike way to care for those who suffer?

A Christian’s Guide to Mental Illness answers 30 commonly asked questions about mental health from a Christian perspective. Intended for caregivers, this accessible resource will equip family, friends, and churches with wisdom for caring for individuals with mental health illnesses. Authors David Murray and Tom Karel use a holistic approach as they share personal stories, professional expertise, and biblical wisdom to tackle difficult questions—ultimately providing hope for the hopeless and rest for the weary.

Useful for Caregivers of Mental Health Sufferers: Equips family, friends, and church leaders with advice for helping those who suffer from mental illness Q&A Format: Each chapter answers a commonly asked question related to mental health Accessible: Written for everyday people, this book is concise and easy to understand Biographical: Authors David Murray and Tom Karel share stories about their own mental health battles as well as those of others

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedications
3. Introduction
4. Chapter 1: What Is Mental Illness?
5. Chapter 2: Is “Mental Illness” a Helpful Label?
6. Chapter 3: What Are the Different Kinds of Mental Illness?
7. Chapter 4: How Is Mental Illness Different from Ordinary Sadness, Anxiety, and Confusion?
8. Chapter 5: How Does Mental Illness Affect the Sufferer?
9. Chapter 6: How Does Mental Illness Affect Spiritual Life?
10. Chapter 7: How Does Mental Illness Affect Those around the Sufferer?
11. Chapter 8: How Do People React to Having Mental Illness?
12. Chapter 9: What Are Some Common Hurdles to Recovery?
13. Chapter 10: What Causes Mental Illness?
14. Chapter 11: Can a Christian Have Mental Illness?
15. Chapter 12: What Role Do Pastors Have in Helping the Mentally Ill?
16. Chapter 13: What Role Does the Church Community Have?
17. Chapter 14: What Role Do Family and Friends Have?
18. Chapter 15: What Role Do Mental Health Professionals Have?
19. Chapter 16: What Role Does Medication Have?
20. Chapter 17: What Role Do Biblical Counselors Have?
21. Chapter 18: What Role Does the Sufferer Have?
22. Chapter 19: How Can We Discern Faith and Spiritual Fruit in a Sufferer?
23. Chapter 20: How Can We Help a Sufferer Grow Spiritually?
24. Chapter 21: How Can We Help Sufferers Serve in the Church?
25. Chapter 22: What Are the Biggest Challenges in Discipling a Sufferer?
26. Chapter 23: What Are the Roles of Scripture, Prayer, and the Sacraments in a Sufferer’s Life?
27. Chapter 24: What Are Some Things to Avoid in Ministering to Sufferers?
28. Chapter 25: What Should We Do When a Sufferer Falls into Temptation?
29. Chapter 26: How Can We Help Someone Who Is Suicidal?
30. Chapter 27: How Can We Care for Caregivers?
31. Chapter 28: How Can We Reduce the Stigma of Mental Illness?
32. Chapter 29: How Can We Prepare for Mental Illness?
33. Chapter 30: What Good Comes Out of Mental Illness?
34. The Story Behind This Book
35. Closing Credits