In observance of the 2023 World Mental Health Day, Jehovah’s Witnesses have called on people to take advantage of comfort from the Scriptures, adding that the Bible provides many positive thoughts that can replace negative ones.
The organisation noted that the Bible contains information that can provide strength and endurance to help people cope with negative patterns of thinking.
According to the Regional Spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Benin, Mr. Duncan Iyawe, the organisation on its website- JW.ORG offers practical tips and inspiration from the Bible for men, women, and young people living with mental health challenges.
“We realize that there is a growing number of people around the world dealing with mental health challenges on a daily basis, and we hope they will find the messages in the Bible to be calming and comforting,”
“For those living with mental health conditions or for those who may know someone dealing with such challenges, the articles and resources on jw.org can be like a guiding light in a dark tunnel.
“The Bible’s message is one of hope and we know people will find the Scriptures and resources there to be soothing and refreshing”, Iyawe stated.
He noted that the article “Mental Health—Help from the Bible” on jw.org website contains several articles with practical tips and comforting thoughts.
Other resources available on jw.org website includes, ‘A Worldwide Mental Health Crisis’, “God Cares for You’, ‘Prayer — “Throw all your Anxiety on Him’, ‘Comfort from the Scriptures, Benefit from Bible Examples, The Bible Offers Practical Advice, How to Help’.
He noted that the article “Comfort from the Scriptures” contains information that can provide strength and endurance to help people cope with negative patterns of thinking.
“It also points to a time when emotional pain will soon be a thing of the past. The article highlights several ways the Bible can help those struggling with depression, anxiety and painful emotions
The article “The Bible Offers Practical Advice” states that while the Bible is not a medical textbook, it can provide beneficial advice. The article explains that the Bible recognizes that people may need help from physicians. It also expounds that healthy habits and exercise are important, and encourages people to willingly accept the help of others.
Related articles on jw.org include: Teen Depression—Why? What Can Help? and “How Can I Deal with Depression.” The articles share several comforting Bible passages, including: “Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18,
“Throw your burden on Jehovah, and he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to fall.
“Let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts.” —Philippians 4:6, 7.
A whiteboard animation video titled
“If you do suffer from clinical depression, it is nothing to be ashamed of. With treatment, many sufferers have begun to feel better,” the video states. “By taking things a day at a time and relying on the support of your parents and trustworthy friends, you can go from sad to glad.”
For more information, please visit jw.org.”
