May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to spotlight the importance of mental well-being and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Mental health disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity or culture and the past several years have shown a concerning rise in these conditions.
While mental illness includes a wide range of diagnoses such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this article will focus on the two most common: depression and anxiety. We’ll explore what they are, how they’re diagnosed, conventional and integrative treatment options, and—most importantly—what Scripture says about despair and hope.
The Rise of Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety have increased significantly over the past three decades, and from my perspective as a clinician, the past five years have seen an even more rapid escalation.
According to the World Health Organization:
- Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 280 million people globally.
- Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S., impacting more than 40 million adults annually.
Understanding the Diagnoses
DSM-5 Criteria
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) outlines the criteria for diagnosing mental illnesses. However, it’s important to understand that these diagnoses are based on subjective assessments—in contrast to physical illnesses where we rely on objective lab values.
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) requires the presence of five or more symptoms (e.g., persistent sadness, fatigue, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, suicidal thoughts) over a two-week period.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry occurring more days than not for at least six months, along with symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
While screening tools like the PHQ-9 (for depression) and GAD-7 (for anxiety) are useful in clinical practice, they are not definitive diagnostic tools. They provide a snapshot of how someone is feeling and functioning, but do not offer objective proof in the way a blood test can for diabetes.
It is also crucial to rule out underlying medical conditions that may mimic mental illness, such as:
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
- Anemia
- Neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s, dementia)
- Substance use disorders
- Chronic infections or inflammation
- Electrolyte imbalances
Conventional Treatment Approaches
In traditional medicine, treatment for depression and anxiety often includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Common classes of medications include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — such as sertraline or fluoxetine
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) — such as venlafaxine or duloxetine
- Benzodiazepines (BZDs) — used for short-term relief of acute anxiety symptoms
- Atypical antidepressants — such as bupropion, which work through various mechanisms
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) — an older class with more side effects, used less frequently
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — another older class reserved for treatment-resistant cases
- Serotonin modulators — which include medications like trazodone that affect multiple serotonin receptors
Yet, many patients report limited improvement with medications alone. A 2022 umbrella review by Moncrieff et al. concluded that there is no clear evidence that depression is caused by a serotonin imbalance, challenging the foundational theory behind many antidepressants.
Side effects, including emotional blunting, weight gain, and increased suicide risk, particularly in young adults, make it clear that these medications are not a cure-all.
The Integrative Medicine Approach
Integrative and functional medicine offers a root-cause, whole-person approach. Rather than simply masking symptoms, it seeks to identify contributing factors such as:
- Micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., B12, magnesium, omega-3s)
- Gut health and microbiome imbalances
- Hormonal imbalances (e.g., cortisol, estrogen, thyroid)
- Chronic infections or inflammation
- Heavy metal toxicity
- Food sensitivities and allergies
- Unresolved trauma or stressors
Support strategies may include:
- Nutritional therapy and elimination diets
- Gentle movement such as walking
- Faith-based stress reduction
- Herbal adaptogens (e.g., ashwagandha, rhodiola)
- Biblical counseling and spiritual support
Conditions like chronic Lyme disease and long COVID, which can impact neurological and emotional health, are also more likely to be considered in integrative settings.
A Biblical Response to Despair
While “anxiety” and “depression” are modern terms, Scripture is full of examples of God’s people experiencing deep emotional suffering.
Moses, Job, and David each faced moments of despair, grief, and overwhelming burden. Sometimes these emotions were due to circumstances beyond their control; other times, they were the result of sin, loss, or spiritual trials.
On Anxiety:
- “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
- “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7
On Depression:
- “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God” – Psalm 43:5
- “ O my God, my soul is in despair within me; therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.” – Psalm 42:6
Before His crucifixion, Jesus—fully God and fully man—prayed in deep agony, knowing He would bear the wrath of God on behalf of sinners. Luke 22:44 states, “Being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood.” Yet Christ never sinned nor despaired; He submitted perfectly to the Father’s will, demonstrating complete trust, obedience, and surrender.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Hope
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, I encourage you to seek medical care and consider an integrative approach. But beyond medical help, seek the only true source of peace and healing—Jesus Christ.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
For believers, there is liberty in how you choose to treat mental health issues—whether through medication, counseling, or holistic care (Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8). However, our ultimate hope and identity must be grounded in the unchanging truth of God’s Word.
If you’re not a believer, I invite you to consider the peace that only Christ offers through the Gospel. Redemption, hope and peace are available to all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ.
If you’re looking for a personalized, integrative approach to mental health that is rooted in both clinical excellence and Biblical truth, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
Call or text: 813-669-3084
Email: info@compassionprimarycare.com
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References
A Midwestern Doctor. (2025). What they don’t tell you about anxiety and the danger of benzodiazepines. The Forgotten Side of Medicine, blog post
A Midwestern Doctor. (2025). The hidden dangers of anti-depressants and why they are so hard to stop taking. The Forgotten Side of Medicine, blog post
Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. (2025). Find a counselor. Retrieved from https://biblicalcounseling.com/find-a-counselor/
Baldwin, D. (2025). Generalized anxiety disorders in adults: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, course, assessment and diagnosis. Up To Date. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/generalized-anxiety-disorder-in-adults-epidemiology-pathogenesis-clinical-manifestations-course-assessment-and-diagnosis?source=history_widget
Gaynes, B.N. (2025). Approaches to the adult patient with suspected depression. Up To Date. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/approach-to-the-adult-patient-with-suspected-depression?search=&source=history_widget&graphicRef=144739#graphicRef144739
Hodges Jr., C. D. (2023) Depression: Medical Background and Biblical Hope. The Chrisitan Counselors Medical Desk References 2nd edition; New Growth Press
Kresge, K. (2025). A root cause medicine approach to depression. Retrieved from https://www.rupahealth.com/post/an-integrative-medicine-approach-to-depression
MacArthur, J. (2006) The MacArthur Study Bible second edition. Thomas Nelson
Maholey, N. (2025) A functional medicine approach to anxiety: Testing, nutrition and supplements. Retireved from https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-anxiety
Moncrieff, J., Cooper, R., Stockman, T., Amendola, S., Hengartner, M.P., & Horowitz, M.A. (2022). The serotonin theory of depression: A systemic umbrella review of the evidence. Molecular Psychiarty. doi: 10.1038/s41380-022-01661-0
Phillips, G., (2023). Life-Altering anxiety: Medical background and Biblical counseling approach. The Chrisitan Counselors Medical Desk References 2nd edition; New Growth Press
World Health Organization. (2022). Anxiety disorders. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders
World Health Organization. (2023). Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
