Smiling on Sunday, struggling on Monday? Here are 3 biblical principles for your quiet battles

43 per cent of Christians have experienced mental health issues, yet only 35 per cent felt supported by their church. As World Mental Health Day highlights the hidden battles in our pews, Howard Satterthwaite shares three biblical attitudes that can sustain your spiritual fervour

Each October, World Mental Health Day reminds us just how many are carrying hidden struggles. The latest NHS survey shows that more than one in five adults in the UK are living with depression or anxiety, and among young people the figure is closer to one in four. Behind each number is a name, a family, a church community touched by pain.

Christians are not exempt. Research from Kintsugi Hope found that 43 per cent of UK believers have experienced a mental health issue, yet only 35 per cent felt especially supported by their church. Almost half of us in the pews are wrestling with anxiety and/or depression: how many more discouragement?

I know myself that wrestle is often done quietly, unsure if it can be shared.

After many years in Christian ministry, and nearly seven as a main leader, I crashed and burned out. Zeal? I felt drained of even basic motivation. So Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12:11 — “Never be lacking in zeal” — can feel impossible.

Thankfully his words are set within the context of God’s mercy (Romans 12:1). It’s not about trying harder or putting on a mask. It’s an invitation to respond to God’s grace and discover how he sustains passion when ours falters.

It’s in the Bible, I believe, because God knows there’ll be seasons when our zeal tanks will run low and need refreshing. So, Paul shares three encouragements to re-fuel our spiritual fervour.