Managing Marriage and Mental Health “Combatting Anxiety and Depression in Order to Improve Communication, Trust, and Intimacy in Marriage”Sample

 Christ and Counselors!

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” Proverbs 11:4 (KJV)

If we could lead our own lives successfully without any support or assistance, God would be unnecessary. We know that isn’t the case because we all have tried it at some point and failed. The great thing about God is that he has provided help for us. Not only does his Spirit live inside of us, but he has also placed wise counselors within our reach.

Some frown at the idea of asking others for help or getting advice from others, but sometimes this is the best way to go. We should seek the Lord and acquire our daily instructions from him by prayer and meditation, including asking him what or who we need to help us live healthily mentally/emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Faith absent of works is dead (James 2:14). Going to see a counselor or therapist does not mean that your faith is weak or non-existent. The complete opposite is true. Not only does talking to someone show that you have great faith in God (our creator, healer, and sustainer), but that you trust God to lead you in making the right decisions for your mental health. It also shows that you understand that God has given you all things that pertain to life and godliness (spiritual and natural life) 2 Peter 1:3. As I mentioned on Day 2, God can heal our minds and bodies, and sometimes that healing looks like him using the hands and feet of professionals.

“God understands humanity, for as a man, our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in every way just as we are and conquered sin. So now we draw near freely and boldly to the throne of grace, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness” Hebrews 4:15-16

Your marriage will require the strength of Christ, our Lord and Savior, as well as the help of counselors to thrive despite the obstacles you or your spouse are encountering due to the struggle with anxiety and perhaps depression.

Reflection: Living with a mental illness or loving someone with a mental illness can be difficult. There will be many days where it all seems to be too much. Following these steps can help manage your illness significantly. Each step is as important as the other. If you have not considered counseling, I would like to encourage you to seek out a counselor that is a good fit for you and your spouse. Perhaps, initially, you will go to counseling individually and then together. Depending on your needs, Christ and a counselor can help you sort that out. Do not wait until things become overwhelmingly out of control before you seek help. Remember, God made us relational, and we all need others from time to time. There is no shame in that.

For additional support in improving your marital health and satisfaction, I encourage you to connect with the Wives Who Win community for tools and resources designed to empower you as a wife in your marriage.