May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the importance of mental well-being and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, or culture. The past several years have revealed a concerning rise in these conditions, particularly depression and anxiety.
This article explores the rise of depression and anxiety, how they are diagnosed, conventional and integrative treatment approaches, and—most importantly—what Scripture says about despair and hope.
The Rise of Depression and Anxiety
Rates of depression and anxiety have increased steadily over the past three decades. From my perspective as a clinician, the past five years have seen an even sharper escalation.
According to the World Health Organization:
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Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 280 million people.
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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 criteria for mental illness. Unlike physical conditions that can be measured with lab values, these diagnoses rely on subjective assessments.
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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Five or more symptoms (persistent sadness, fatigue, appetite changes, poor concentration, suicidal thoughts) over a two-week period.
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worry most days for at least six months, along with restlessness, tension, and sleep disturbances.
Screening tools like the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 are valuable but not definitive. They reflect symptoms but cannot provide objective proof.
Medical Conditions to Rule Out
Several underlying issues can mimic mental illness, including:
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Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
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Anemia
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Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s or dementia
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Substance use disorders
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Chronic infections or inflammation
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Electrolyte imbalances
Conventional Treatment Approaches
Traditional treatment often combines psychotherapy with medication. Common drug classes include:
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SSRIs (sertraline, fluoxetine)
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SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine)
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Benzodiazepines (short-term anxiety relief)
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Atypical antidepressants (bupropion)
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Tricyclic antidepressants (older, more side effects)
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MAOIs (reserved for resistant cases)
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Serotonin modulators (trazodone)
While medications can help, many patients experience only partial improvement. A 2022 umbrella review by Moncrieff et al. found no clear evidence that depression is caused by a serotonin imbalance, challenging a long-held theory. Side effects—emotional blunting, weight gain, and increased suicide risk in young adults—also highlight limitations.
The Integrative Medicine Approach
Integrative and functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing root causes. Rather than masking symptoms, it looks for contributing factors such as:
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Micronutrient deficiencies (B12, magnesium, omega-3s)
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Gut microbiome imbalances
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Hormonal shifts (cortisol, estrogen, thyroid)
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Chronic infections or inflammation
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Heavy metal toxicity
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Food sensitivities and allergies
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Unresolved trauma or stressors
Supportive Strategies May Include:
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Nutritional therapy and elimination diets
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Gentle movement such as walking
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Faith-based stress reduction practices
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Herbal adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola
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Biblical counseling and spiritual guidance
Chronic conditions such as Lyme disease or long COVID, which can affect neurological and emotional health, are also considered in integrative settings.
A Biblical Response to Despair
While terms like “depression” and “anxiety” are modern, Scripture shows that God’s people have long experienced deep emotional suffering.
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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
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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 Himself prayed in deep agony. Luke 22:44 says, “Being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood.” Yet He trusted fully in the Father’s will, showing perfect obedience and surrender.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Hope
If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, seek medical care and consider an integrative approach. Beyond treatment, seek the only true source of peace—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 freedom in choosing treatment options—whether medication, counseling, or holistic care (Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8). But ultimate hope must rest in God’s Word.
If you do not yet believe, I invite you to consider the lasting peace that Christ offers through the Gospel. Redemption and hope are available to all who repent and trust in Him.
If you are ready for a personalized, integrative approach to mental health rooted in both clinical excellence and Biblical truth, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
Nursing your journey to lasting wellness
Dr. Stasha-Gae Roberts, DNP, MPH, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
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
