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THIS MAGAZINE, The Watchtower, honors Jehovah God, the Ruler of the universe. It comforts people with the good news that God’s heavenly Kingdom will soon end all wickedness and transform the earth into a paradise. It promotes faith in Jesus Christ, who died so that we might gain everlasting life and who is now ruling as King of God’s Kingdom. This magazine has been published continuously since 1879 and is nonpolitical. It adheres to the Bible as its authority.

All around the world, mental health problems afflict millions of people. Young and old from all economic and educational levels, diverse ethnic groups, and religious backgrounds are having to deal with distressing symptoms. What are mental illnesses, and how do they affect people? This magazine will discuss the importance of proper medical treatment as well as how the Bible can help sufferers in various practical ways.

Can you relate to those expressions from individuals who struggle with their mental health? Are you​—or is someone you care about—​facing a similar struggle?

Be assured that you are not alone. Many people today are affected by mental health issues, whether their own or those of their loved ones.

Without a doubt, we are living in “critical times hard to deal with” that are causing many forms of distress. (2 Timothy 3:1) One study calculated that, worldwide, about one in eight people struggles with a mental health disorder. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in anxiety and major depressive disorders of about 26 and 28 percent respectively.

Our mental health, however, is not defined by statistics. It is about how you and your loved ones feel and how you live your lives.

What is mental health?

Good mental health is a state of well-being where you feel good and can function well. You can cope with normal stresses, work productively, and feel satisfied with life.

A mental disorder . . .

• IS NOT the result of personal weakness.

• IS a medical condition that causes significant distress and disrupts a person’s thinking, emotional control, and behavior.

• Can often upset a person’s ability to relate to others and to handle the daily demands of life.

• Can affect people of any age, culture, race, tribe, religion, educational background, or income level.

Getting help for mental health problems

If you or a loved one experiences significantly noticeable changes in personality, disturbed sleeping or eating patterns, or prolonged distress, anxiety, or sadness, you may need professional help to identify and treat the root causes. But where can you go for help?

The wisest man who ever lived, Jesus Christ, stated: “Healthy people do not need a physician, but those who are ill do.” (Matthew 9:12) Those struggling with health challenges who receive appropriate medical therapy and medication can do much to minimize their symptoms and can be helped to live a productive and fulfilling life. It is wise for such ones not to delay treatment if the symptoms are serious or prolonged.a

Although the Bible is not a medical guidebook, what it contains can benefit our mental health. We warmly invite you to consider the following articles that discuss how the Bible can help us deal with mental health problems.

Most important, the Bible assures us that our Creator, Jehovah God,a understands our thoughts and feelings better than anyone else. He is eager to help us deal with any issues we face. Consider, for example, two comforting Bible passages:

“Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those who are crushed in spirit.”​—PSALM 34:18.

“I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.’”​—ISAIAH 41:13.

How, though, does Jehovah help us to deal with mental health problems? As you will see in the following articles, Jehovah shows that he truly cares for us in many helpful ways.

What That Means

Jehovah God invites us to talk to him about any burden that weighs on our mind and heart. (Psalm 55:22) No problem is too big or too small to pray about. If it matters to us, it matters to Jehovah. Praying to him is an important step toward gaining peace of mind.​—Philippians 4:6, 7.

How This Can Help

When we struggle with our mental health, we may feel completely alone. Other people do not always understand fully what we are going through. (Proverbs 14:10) But when we sincerely tell God in prayer how we feel, we will find a sympathetic and understanding listener. Jehovah sees us, he knows our pain and struggles, and he wants us to pray to him about anything that concerns us.​—2 Chronicles 6:29, 30.

Talking to Jehovah in prayer reinforces our confidence that he cares for us. We can feel as did the psalmist who prayed: “You have seen my affliction; you are aware of my deep distress.” (Psalm 31:7) Just knowing that Jehovah is sensitive to what we are dealing with can do much to help us keep going through difficult times. But he does more than just notice our distress. Better than anyone else, he understands what we are going through and helps us find comfort and encouragement in the Bible.

What That Means

The Bible contains comforting thoughts that can give us the strength and endurance we need to cope with negative patterns of thinking. The Bible’s message also gives us hope that emotional pain will soon be a thing of the past.

How This Can Help

We all deal with feelings of distress at times; but those who suffer from depression or anxiety may struggle daily with relentlessly painful emotions. How can the Bible help?

• The Bible provides many positive thoughts that can replace negative ones. (Philippians 4:8) It can truly fill our mind with comforting and soothing thoughts that will help us control our emotions.​—Psalm 94:18, 19.

• The Bible can help us to counteract the thought that we are worthless.​—Luke 12:6, 7.

• Numerous Bible passages reassure us that we are not alone and that God, our Creator, completely understands our feelings.​—Psalm 34:18; 1 John 3:19, 20.

• The Bible promises that God will put an end to painful memories. (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:4) When we are suffering from disturbing thoughts and emotions, we may find that this promise gives us the strength to go on.

What That Means

The Bible’s pages are filled with real-life accounts of men and women who experienced a wide range of emotions. As we read their experiences, we may find a Bible character whom we can relate to.

How This Can Help

We all need to feel understood. But this is especially true when we struggle with our mental health. When we read the real-life experiences of Bible characters, we may identify with them and relate to their thoughts and feelings. As a result, we realize that we are not alone in our distress and we feel less isolated when dealing with anxiety and disturbing emotions.

• The Bible records many expressions of those who felt helpless and desperate. Have you ever felt, ‘I just can’t take it anymore’? Moses did, as did Elijah and David.​—Numbers 11:14; 1 Kings 19:4; Psalm 55:4.

• The Bible tells us of a woman named Hannah who felt “extremely bitter” because she could not have children and was being cruelly taunted about it by her rival wife.​—1 Samuel 1:6, 10.

• The Bible tells of a man named Job whom we may relate to. Although being a man of faith, he suffered from deep emotional distress and once said: “I loathe my life; I do not want to go on living.”​—Job 7:16.

By learning how these Bible characters successfully dealt with negative patterns of thinking, we too can find the strength we need to cope with our distresses.

What That Means

While not a medical textbook, the Bible offers practical and beneficial advice. This advice can help a person who is struggling with mental health difficulties. Consider some examples.

How This Can Help

“Healthy people do not need a physician, but those who are ill do.”​—MATTHEW 9:12.

The Bible acknowledges that we may need to seek medical treatment. Many have found relief by learning what they can about their mental illness from reliable sources and by getting qualified professional help.

“Exercise is good for your body.”​—1 TIMOTHY 4:8, Contemporary English Version.

Investing time and energy in healthy habits may help improve your mental health. Such habits include sticking to a regular exercise routine, following a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit saps one’s strength.”​—PROVERBS 17:22.

Reading encouraging Bible passages and setting reasonable and reachable goals can help maintain a happy spirit. A positive and hopeful attitude can help you to stay emotionally balanced as you cope with your mental health challenges.

“Wisdom is with the modest ones.”​—PROVERBS 11:2.

You may find that you are not able to do everything that you want to on your own, so willingly accept the help of others. Friends and family likely want to help you, but they may not know what to do. Let them know what would be especially helpful to you. Be reasonable in what you expect, and always be thankful for the help they provide.

How the Bible’s Practical Advice Is Helping Sufferers

“I felt that something was not right with me, so I consulted a doctor. She was able to diagnose my condition. This helped me to accept the reality of my situation and to learn about available medical options to better care for my health.”​—Nicole,a who suffers from bipolar disorder.

“I have found that reading the Bible regularly with my wife helps me to start each day with positive, upbuilding thoughts. And often on days when I’m struggling to cope, a particular verse will touch my heart.”​—Peter, who suffers from depression.

“It was difficult to tell others about my struggle because I was very ashamed. But a close friend was so understanding and empathetic. She really helped me to feel better and to feel that I was not alone.”​—Ji-yoo, who struggles with an eating disorder.

“The Bible has helped me to be balanced and reasonable when it comes to work and rest. Its wisdom has helped me to deal with the emotional problems that plague me.”​—Timothy, who copes with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What That Means

We can easily be overwhelmed when a friend is suffering from mental distress. But we can show how much we care by helping our friend to cope with a distressing mental health problem. How?

How This Can Help

“Be quick to listen.”​—JAMES 1:19.

One of the best ways to help your friend is to listen when he wants to talk. Do not feel that you have to respond to everything he says. Acknowledge what he says, and try to remain compassionate. Keep an open mind, and avoid jumping to conclusions or being judgmental. Remember that he may say things that he does not mean and later regrets.​—Job 6:2, 3.

“Speak consolingly.”​—1 THESSALONIANS 5:14.

Your friend may be anxious, or he may struggle with feelings of worthlessness. By reassuring him that you care, you can be comforting and encouraging, even if you do not know exactly what to say.

“A true friend shows love at all times.”​—PROVERBS 17:17.

Offer practical help. Instead of assuming that you know how to help, ask what you can do. If your friend has a hard time expressing what he needs, try suggesting something practical you could do together, such as going for a walk. Or you could offer to help with shopping, cleaning, or some other task.​—Galatians 6:2.

“Be patient.”​—1 THESSALONIANS 5:14.

Your friend may not always be ready to talk. Reassure your friend that you will gladly listen when he does feel like talking. Because of his illness, your friend may say or do things that hurt you. He may cancel plans with you or become irritable. Be patient and understanding as you offer the support he needs.​—Proverbs 18:24.

Offering Your Support Can Make a Difference

“I make sure that I am a friend that she can count on. Even though I don’t have the solution to her problems, I make it a point to listen to what she has to say. Sometimes all she needs is a listening ear to make her feel better.”​—Farrah,a whose friend suffers from eating and anxiety disorders and clinical depression.

“One of my friends is so kind and positive. She invited me to her home for a delicious meal. In such a warm and loving atmosphere, I was able to express my feelings. That really encouraged me!”​—Ha-eun, who suffers from clinical depression.

“Patience is so important. When my wife does something that upsets me, I remind myself that it is an expression of her illness, not who she is on the inside. This helps me to avoid becoming angry and to be more considerate toward her.”​—Jacob, whose wife suffers from clinical depression.

“My wife has been an incredible support and comfort to me. When I feel overwhelmed with anxiety, she never forces me to do anything that I don’t feel like doing. Sometimes that means that she doesn’t get to do something that she would have loved to do. Her self-sacrificing spirit and generosity are irreplaceable.”​—Enrico, who suffers from anxiety disorder.

But God has done even more. He has promised to remove the very causes of mental disorders permanently.

When God fulfills that promise, never again will painful feelings, mental distress, and hurtful memories “be called to mind, nor will they come up into the heart.”​—Isaiah 65:17.

Jehovah’s Witnesses will be happy to help you find out when and how God will fulfill this heartwarming promise.