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Jesus, Science and Mental Health

We spoke with mental health experts to uncover the science behind Jesus’ teachings.

What if we told you that despite living thousands of years apart and on opposite sides of the planet, most of us are discontented with the same things as people who lived during Jesus’ time?

To learn more about our discontent, we traveled across the country, asking people a simple question, “What are you sick of?” Jesus spent heaps of time with others and helped them overcome their discontent, which posed a question in our minds, “Can his teachings help us now?”

This question led us to consult Dr. Avery Hoenig and Dr. Cristina Sevadjian, two mental health experts, to ask them about discontent, its health effects, and what modern science says about Jesus’ solutions.

Dr. Avery Hoenig:

When we experience and believe that change does not happen no matter what we do, we learn helplessness, which is to give up and stop trying completely. Even when the situation shifts, and it is possible to change the outcome, people don’t try and often become depressed.

Anxiety is another mental health issue that is connected to being sick of something. When we are anxious, many of us feel on edge, which can cause irritability, tension, restlessness, sweating, shaking, nausea, and heart palpitations.

 

Dr. Cristina Sevadjian:

Feeling sick of something can lead to chronic stress. When unmanaged, this stress can lead to a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes.

Dr. Cristina Sevadjian:

I often have people map out their concerns on a big whiteboard in my office. I ask them to brainstorm all the things that create stress in their lives. I then ask them to circle the issues they have direct control over and put an x next to the things that are outside their control. Categorizing stressors helps people feel less overwhelmed and know when to engage in problem-solving strategies or how to improve their coping strategies.

 

There’s something powerful in the practicality of Dr. Sevadjian’s answer, focusing on what we can control versus what we can’t. Jesus taught others to deal with discontent through their actions and outlook, but what does modern research have to say about his teachings?

Dr. Avery Hoenig:

Research indicates that belonging is a basic human need, so community and connection are of utmost importance for our mental and physical health. In my professional experience, I’ve seen people do best when they feel part of something bigger than themselves.

 

Dr. Cristina Sevadjian:

We know from research that social disconnectedness and isolation have a negative impact on our mental health. We also know that friendships can protect us from more serious mental health issues.

Dr. Avery Hoenig:

Research indicates that forgiveness is often associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and stress and can have significant physical implications, such as lowered blood pressure, risk of heart attack, and pain.

 

Dr. Cristina Sevadjian:

In my professional experience, I talk to individuals a lot about how carrying around anger and unforgiveness has more negative consequences on themselves than it will most likely ever have on the person that they are upset with.

Dr. Cristina Sevadjian:

Research shows that generosity has a positive impact on mood and a general sense of happiness while reducing the impact of negative emotions. Gratitude, as well — as a practice, can really help people shift their perspective in noticing the little things in their life, which can increase happiness and general well-being. It can also provide an important buffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

Dr. Avery Hoenig:

Hope has a positive impact on our physical health, as it improves the functioning of our immune system and decreases our experience of pain. In addition, hope is associated with lower levels of depression, better relationships, and resilience.

Dr. Avery Hoenig:

When life gets difficult, self-compassion — the act of turning compassion inward — can be a real lifesaver. When we treat ourselves with compassion, we treat ourselves the way we would someone we love. In other words, we treat ourselves with kindness instead of judgment.

Tying it all together

Community, forgiveness, gratitude, hope — all of these things that Jesus taught and modeled have measurable effects on our mental health, lives, and neighborhoods. It seems that Jesus valued and prioritized mental health. He protected personal time and rest for himself on many occasions. Safeguarding our health is one of the best ways to practice self-love, and Jesus famously taught those around him “to love one another as yourself.”

Perhaps the way and teachings of Jesus aren’t just a list of rules but actually a helpful blueprint for human flourishing. After all, how can we flourish and encourage others to do the same if our mental and physical health aren’t protected? What do you think?

Dr. Avery Hoenig completed her undergraduate study at Southern Methodist University and earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. She has worked in private practice for over 15 years and uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help older adolescents and adults manage mood- and anxiety-related symptoms.

Dr. Cristina Sevadjian graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree in counseling from Dallas Baptist University, and her doctorate from the APA accredited school psychology program through Texas Woman’s University. She has worked in the field of psychology for 20 years and has a variety of experiences serving individuals in the following settings: home-based treatment with the juvenile probation department, Green Oaks Psychiatric Hospital, local children’s hospitals, public school districts, and private practice.

Scripture References: Matthew 5:9, Matthew 26:17-29, Matthew 11:28, John 13:34-35, Mark 12:31

Kamarck, T. W., et al., Psychosomatic Medicine, Vol. 52, No. 1, 1990

Schnall, S., et al., Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, Vol. 44, No. 5, 2008

Bayer, J. K., et al., Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Vol. 23, No. 4, 2018

Baskin TW, & Enright RD (2004). Intervention studies on forgiveness: A meta-analysis. Journal of Counseling & Development, 82(1), 79-90. 10.1002/j.1556-6678.2004.tb00288.x

Lawler KA, Younger JW, Piferi RL, Jobe RL, Edmondson KA, & Jones WH (2005). The unique effects of forgiveness on health: An exploration of pathways. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 28(2), 157-167.10.1007/s10865-005-3665-2

Lee Y-R, & Enright RD (2019). A meta-analysis of the association between forgiveness of others and physical health. Psychology & Health, 34, 626-643. 10.1080/08870446.2018.1554185

Harvard Health: Giving thanks can make you happier
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier

Iodice JA, Malouff JM, Schutte NS (2021) The Association between Gratitude and Depression: A Meta-Analysis. Int J Depress Anxiety 4:024 .doi.org/10.23937/2643-4059/1710024

Aaker, J., & Liu, W. (2008). The Happiness of Giving: The Time-Ask Effect. Journal of Consumer Research, 35(3), 543-557. https://doi.org/10.1086/588699

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