Finding Christ in the Midst of Anxiety and Depression: A Holistic Conversation on Mental Health

Episode • Sep 14, 2016 • 45m

How can we reconcile our faith in Christ with the real and painful experiences of depression, anxiety, and mental illness? This honest and compassionate conversation offers both personal testimony and hope for those navigating mental health struggles within the Christian faith. In Episode 10—a milestone moment for the Vox Podcast—Mike Erre and Andy dive deep into the realities of mental illness, exploring their own journeys and how they’ve found Jesus in the midst of their darkest seasons.

This episode is both personal and practical, acknowledging the complexity of mental health and challenging the overly spiritualized or stigmatized tendencies found in some corners of the church. They offer encouragement for those suffering silently and insight for the friends, family, and church communities walking alongside them.

Key Takeaways: • Honoring the Reality of Mental Illness – Depression and anxiety are not signs of spiritual failure. You can love Jesus and struggle with mental illness at the same time. • From Breakdown to Breakthrough – Mike and Andy reflect on the deepest moments of despair that led them to therapy, medication, and spiritual rediscovery. • The Importance of a Holistic Approach – Mental health requires attention to spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical well-being; we are whole people, and healing is multifaceted. • Presence Over Platitudes – How we can better support friends and loved ones facing depression by offering empathy, not empty solutions. • Christian Hope in Mental Illness – Through storytelling and scripture, this episode affirms that God meets us in our weakness and rewrites our suffering into stories of redemption.

Therapy, medication, and spiritual support each play an important role in the healing journey—especially in a culture that prizes performance and underestimates the silent suffering of many believers.

Resources Mentioned: • Scripture: John 9, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 12:9 • Subversive Kingdom – subversivekingdom.com • Email for referrals or help: hello@voxpodcast.com

Call to Action: Let’s create churches and communities where mental health discussions are normalized and grace-filled. Share this episode with someone who might need it today. And as always, subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to be a part of these vital conversations.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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Learn more about the Voxology Podcast: https://voxologypodcast.com/

Subscribe on iTunes: https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr?si=KJoEXxxxTsqE-HiGL-PfIA

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voxology

The Voxology Spotify channel: https://open.spotify.com/user/nj2l08pd1zt6zk3azs1plhmdy?si=3fb86269da0449ed

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford https://www.timothyjohnstafford.com Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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