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Chris Morris Christian Mental Health

Redefine Normal // Rediscover Hope

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Chris Morris Christian Mental Health: Rediscovering Normal

Chris Morris | Christian Mental Health

I spend my time writing about how to balance faith and mental illness. I have both mental illnesses and chronic illnesses, but I’m learning to thrive anyway. I guess that’s why Redefining Normal is part of the code here, because it’s been part of my journey.
My BooksMy Story

Redefine Normal

Rediscover Hope

Welcome to my Christian mental health website. This is a safe place for followers of Jesus dealing with depression, anxiety, and every mental illness under the sun. If you’ve asked yourself, “if I’m a Christian, why am I depressed?“ or, “where is God when my life is falling apart?“, or “How do I overcome depression biblically“, you’re in the right place. Everything here is written as Christian help for those in the mental illness community as we redefine normal and rediscover hope together. Let’s talk about these two things for just a moment. What does it mean to redefine normal? It means that nobody but you gets to tell you what’s normal and what’s abnormal. You are the arbiter of your own life, and you get to decide that.
For you, maybe a normal day is not getting out of bed until noon because of chronic pain, and having to carefully calculate where you spend your limited energy. If so, I honor your normal here. How about rediscovering hope? So many of us struggle to fell there’s any objective reason for hope in our lives, because, to be honest, our lives stink a lot of the time. It’s full of difficulty and complexity, hard conversations and unmet expectations. But we can find the keys to having hope despite all these setbacks. I spend a lot of time talking the nuts and bolts of hope from a biblical perspective, so it’s more tangible, meaningful, and applicable to real life.

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Is This For Me?

Found out more about this site and see if it’s a good space for you to hang out.
Learn more

Life with Psychogenic Seizures

Psychogenic seizures is one of my primary diagnosis, and it impacts me every single day. Learn how here.
Learn more

Two Things I Learned About the Church in the Psych Ward

I have spend time in a psych ward twice in my life. I learned a lot about myself and the church both times.
Learn more

What People Are Saying

fitch

Resilient and Redeemed “Open this book and journey with Chris Morris in the struggle to make sense of mental illness within the Christian life. Read the stories, reflect on Scripture, and find hope. In these pages, Chris helps us see God as present in the struggle. Resilient and Redeemed is… Read more “David Fitch (Resilient and Redeemed)”

David Fitch
Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology, Northern Seminary, Chicago
http://seminary.edu
marty kaiser

Resilient and Redeemed “Chris Morris is a voice the church needs to hear! By courageously sharing his story, Chris opens a much-needed conversation about mental health, weaving personal narratives, theological insights, and practical guidance into a topic that has long been left in the shadows of religious communities.”

Marty Kaiser
Campus Pastor, Vineyard Church Reveal
https://www.revealvineyard.com/
susy flory headshot smile

Trekking Toward Tenacity “A wise and wonderful walk through Psalm 139, Trekking Toward Tenacity is the kind of book you’ll want to read slowly, marking it up and letting it soak deep into your heart and soul. Both conversational and honest in his style, Chris weaves Scripture and spiritual wisdom throughout… Read more “Susy Flory (Trekking Toward Tenacity)”

Susy Flory
New York Times bestselling author and coauthor, director of West Coast Christian Writers, and doctoral candidate at Houston Theological Seminary
https://susyflory.ag-sites.net/index.htm
Mary Demuth

Perfectly Abnormal “Perfectly Abnormal is one of those books that should be required reading for churches longing to provide a welcoming environment for all their members. And it should be required reading for any human who wants to love, empathize, and walk in the shoes of another. I so appreciated… Read more “Mary DeMuth (Perfectly Abnormal)”

Mary DeMuth
http://marydemuth.com
boulware

Trekking Toward Tenacity “God’s word can teach you how to parent through mental health battles. Trekking Towards Tenacity opens your eyes to the power of scripture, self-reflection, and activation exercises that promote healthy change and breakthrough. Our world is saturated with new mental health cases daily. Chris focuses on pivotal points… Read more “Christy Boulware (Trekking Toward Tenacity)”

Christy Boulware
Author of Nervous Breakthrough, Founder of Fearless Unite, podcast host of Fearless Tips and Talks
https://www.christyboulware.com/
morgan busse nlr 4

Resilient and Redeemed “If you are a Christian who battles with depression and suicide, this book is for you. If you have a loved one who struggles with these same elements, this book will help you understand their battle and how you can encourage and pray for them. Chris invites… Read more “Morgan Busse (Resilient and Redeemed)”

Morgan Busse
Award-winning Author of THE RAVENWOOD SAGA and SKYWORLD series, and pastor’s wife
https://morganlbusse.com/

Whispers in the Pews “Chris Morris has compiled honest and raw stories that give sight into the heart of many Christians who have battled, or are battling, mental illness. Whispers in the Pews brings to light that mental health matters and how it hasn’t always mattered in the Christian community,… Read more “Shawn Elizabeth George”

Shawn Elizabeth George
Inspirational Author, Writer, and Speaker
https://www.shawnelizabethgeorge.com/
screenshot 2024 08 19 at 9.53.23 am

Resilient and Redeemed “I ask my clients, ‘Has your faith, theology, or church experience been helpful or harmful?’ Chris vulnerably and courageously writes about how he has been harmed and most importantly how he has been helped, literally saved, by God and treatment. He shares how depression can affect marriages.… Read more “Sovann Pen (Resilient and Redeemed)”

Sovann Pen
The Courage, Coaching and Counseling Podcast; LPC, A New Day Counseling Center
https://www.sovannpen.com/
Mary Demuth

Whispers in the Pews “I cannot imagine Jesus scolding someone with a mental illness, telling them to just get over it, try harder, memorize more verses. No, He would listen. He would love. He would be filled with compassion. And even He was deemed mentally ill in his time, his… Read more “Mary DeMuth”

Mary DeMuth
https://www.marydemuth.com/
Jeff Goines

Whispers in the Pews “Finally, someone is speaking out on a deep and important issue that simply does not get talked about enough in our faith communities. Thank you, Chris, for your honesty and bravery. May these words move us all to deeper and more compassionate action.”

Jeff Goins
Bestselling author of The Art of Work
https://goinswriter.com/
Marty Kaiser

Perfectly Abnormal “I highly recommend this book to any person or family trying to deal with a chronic illness. In its pages you will find practical help to move forward, and hope to experience a life worth living. Over the past few years I have witnessed the pain and sorrow… Read more “Marty Kaiser”

Marty Kaiser
http://revealvineyard.com
Rett Syndrome

Whispers in the Pews “I am ridiculously excited for the stories in this book to be shared. There is an incredible need to discuss the reality of mental illness and how the church can improve how it addresses this.”

Colleen English
President & Founder of Rettland Foundation
http://rettland.org/
kathi lipp

Resilient and Redeemed “With deep compassion, Chris Morris shares his heartbreaking yet hopeful story. He navigates the often-misunderstood intersection of mental health and spiritual well-being with hope and wisdom that are desperately needed in today’s conversations about mental health in the church. I pray that Chris’s vulnerability starts conversations among… Read more “Kathi Lipp (Resilient and Redeeemed)”

Kathi Lipp
Author and Podcaster, Clutter Free Academy
https://www.kathilipp.com/
gno c

Resilient and Redeemed “In this book you will encounter Chris as a wise guide who shares his journey’s harsh and painful realities. As he skillfully unfolds his story, he encourages all of us to open ourselves to the beautiful possibilities for hope and healing in Jesus. May we all listen… Read more “Gino Curcuruto (Resilient and Redeemed)”

Rev. Dr. Gino Curcuruto
Pastor, The Table Philadelphia
https://thetablephilly.org/
pwta

Trekking Toward Tenacity “With anxiety and depression on the rise among children and teenagers, Chris Morris’s insight and strategies for combating the lies and misconceptions surrounding mental health are exactly what parents need in their parenting arsenal. Trekking Towards Tenacity provides parents with thoughtful discussion starters, enlightening Scripture explorations, and actionable steps… Read more “Stephanie Gilbert (Trekking Toward Tenacity)”

Stephanie Gilbert
Co-Author of Pastors’ Wives Tell All and co-host of the Pastors’ Wives Tell All podcast
https://www.pastorswivestellall.com/

Whispers in the Pews “Compassion is the antidote to stigma, and it only begins when we hear the stories of real men and women who suffer from mental illness. Chris Morris is doing the church a tremendous service with this book. It should be required reading for anyone who considers… Read more “David Edward Cummings”

David Edward Cummings
PhD, Professor of Microbiology, Point Loma Nazarene University, Host of the SoulCare Podcast, Elder at Pathways Community Church, Santee, CA
http://davidedwardcummings.com/
pwta

Trekking Toward Tenacity “This book has the potential to save lives and build healthy dynamics in homes across the nation. Chris Morris’s vulnerability about his own life and family is inspiring and a testimony of God’s relentless pursuit of His children. As a pastor’s wife, I hear how mental illness… Read more “Jessica Taylor (Trekking Toward Tenacity)”

Jessica Taylor
Co-Author of Pastors’ Wives Tell All and co-host of the Pastors’ Wives Tell All podcast
https://www.pastorswivestellall.com/
screenshot 2024 08 19 at 11.11.47 am

Trekking Toward Tenacity “Chris offers us a unique gift in Trekking Towards Tenacity: part bible study, part meditation, part training for parents in how to form and shape the faith of their children. Many books do one or two of those well, but Chris skillfully leads the reader through all… Read more “Matt Tebbe (Trekking Toward Tenacity)”

Matt Tebbe
Co-Author of Having the Mind of Christ, Pastor at The Table Indianapolis
https://substack.com/@matttebbe

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chrismorriswrites

Mental health author & speaker, breaking down poor theological frameworks for the church. Check out my books on Amazon and book me to speak for you!

I see this all the time—Christians who desperately I see this all the time—Christians who desperately need help but feel like they should get their spiritual life “in order” first. 

As if therapy is only for people who’ve exhausted all the spiritual options.

You don’t need to be more spiritual to deserve mental health care. You need to be human, and you already are.

Waiting until you’re “spiritual enough” is like waiting until you’re “healthy enough” to see a doctor. It doesn’t make sense.

God isn’t sitting in heaven with a checklist saying, “Well, you only prayed twice today and skipped your Bible reading, so no therapy for you.”

That’s not how a good Father works.

Mental health support isn’t a reward for spiritual maturity. It’s a tool God gives us to help us survive and eventually thrive.

So if you’ve been putting off that first therapy appointment because you think you need to pray more first—this is your sign. Make the call. Book the session. Take the medication.

God’s already proud of you for being brave enough to seek help.
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#christianmentalhealth #faith #depression #anxiety #healing #mentalwellness #christianity #jesus #mentalhealthawareness #christianauthor #hope #biblicaltruth #mentalhealthadvocate #christianliving #christianspeaker #godslove #prayerrequest #holyspirit #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #faithandanxiety #biblicalhealing #christiansupport #mentalhealthministry #christiandepression #redefiningnormal #spiritualwellness #christianencouragement #tedxspeaker #rediscoveringhope
For years, I believed my depression was evidence o For years, I believed my depression was evidence of weak faith. That if I just prayed harder, read more Scripture, or served more faithfully, the darkness would lift.

But mental illness doesn’t discriminate based on your prayer life. Depression isn’t God’s punishment for insufficient devotion.

You can love Jesus deeply and still struggle with anxiety. You can have genuine faith and still need medication. You can be in God’s will and still see a therapist.

The idea that mental health struggles equal spiritual failure? That’s harmful theology, not biblical truth.

If you’re battling depression while trying to follow Christ, you’re not doing it wrong. You’re redefining what normal looks like for you, and that takes courage.
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#mentalhealth #anxiety #christianity #faith #depression #healing #mentalhealthawareness #jesus #hope #christianliving #mentalhealthadvocate #christianauthor #biblicalwisdom #godslove #faithjourney #christianspeaker #prayerwarrior #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #holyspirit #biblicalcounseling #faithandmentalhealth #christianhealing #mentalhealthsupport #christiananxiety #spiritualhealth #christianencouragement #mentalhealthministry #godsgrace #faithoverfear
Start with questions, not statements. Ask your p Start with questions, not statements. 

Ask your pastor: “How can we better support people struggling with depression or anxiety?” 

Most leaders want to help but don’t know how.

Share your story carefully. 

Personal testimony is powerful, but start with trusted leaders before going public. Gauge their response.

Use biblical language. 

Talk about “shepherding the brokenhearted” or “carrying one another’s burdens.” Frame mental health support as discipleship, not just clinical care.

Offer solutions, not just problems. 

Don’t just say “we need to do better.” Bring ideas: a support group, a list of Christian counselors, training for small group leaders.

Find allies. 

You’re probably not the only person who cares about this. Build a team of people who can advocate together.

Be patient but persistent. 

Change in the church happens slowly. Don’t give up after one conversation.

Know when to walk away. 

If your church consistently shames mental illness after you’ve tried to create change, it might be time to find a healthier community.

The church should be leading on mental health, not lagging behind. But change starts with brave people willing to have hard conversations.
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#christianmentalhealth #depression #faith #anxiety #healing #christianity #mentalwellness #jesus #mentalhealthawareness #christianauthor #hope #biblicaltruth #mentalhealthadvocate #christianliving #faithoverfear #christianspeaker #godslove #prayerrequest #holyspirit #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #faithandanxiety #biblicalhealing #christiansupport #mentalhealthministry #christiandepression #tedxspeaker #spiritualwellness #christianencouragement #rediscoveringhope
My friend @amberginterauthor has created perhaps t My friend @amberginterauthor has created perhaps the perfect summer event if you’re feeling worn out or beat down by life lately. She calls it a Mental Reset. Here’s the details:

Feeling emotionally worn down, spiritually dry, or like no one understands you? You’re not alone. 

This weekend retreat is for Gen Z Christians (18–30ish) (but open to anyone 18+) facing mental or physical illness who need real rest and hope. Whether you’re battling anxiety, depression, burnout, or chronic illness—or just feel “tired on the inside”—you’re invited to slow down, be honest, and discover you don’t have to fix yourself to be fully loved by God. 

Step away and find peace in a place that welcomes you exactly as you are.

Amber is a spectacular host and has put together a wonderful group of people to lead this event. If you have some time in early June, there’s literally not a single thing you could do IMO that would be more valuable than the Mental Reset. 

Look at the link in my bio to find out more. What are you waiting for :-)
This might be the great-granddaddy of misinterpret This might be the great-granddaddy of misinterpreted verses for Christians. 

It has been applied to so many different circumstances, and about 97% of them are completely separate from what the Apostle Paul was actually talking about.

Paul wasn’t talking about winning marathons or playoff games. He was talking about being in physical need if you read the immediate context. 

He says that he knows how to live well, whether he is in need or in plenty. The secret is to focus on the God who supplies all of his needs, instead of focusing on the circumstances.

This is still a meaningful promise for us to cling to, but it hits differently when we read it in its appropriate context. 

Instead of being a blanket promise that God will empower us to do whatever, it means that God will always provide for us.

What verses have you seen taken out of context?
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#christianmentalhealth #depression #faith #anxiety #healing #christianity #mentalwellness #jesus #mentalhealthawareness #christianauthor #hope #biblicaltruth #mentalhealthadvocate #christianliving #faithoverfear #christianspeaker #godslove #prayerrequest #holyspirit #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #faithandanxiety #biblicalhealing #christiansupport #mentalhealthministry #christiandepression #tedxspeaker #spiritualwellness #christianencouragement #rediscoveringhope
Your anxiety does not make you a sinner. Worry and Your anxiety does not make you a sinner. Worry and fear are not the same as anxiety, and anyone who tells you that doesn’t get it.
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#mentalhealth #faith #christianity #jesus #depression #anxiety #hope #healing #mentalhealthawareness #christianliving #godslove #christianauthor #mentalhealthadvocate #biblicalwisdom #faithjourney #christianspeaker #prayerwarrior #holyspirit #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #biblicalcounseling #faithandmentalhealth #christianhealing #mentalhealthsupport #christiananxiety #redefiningnormal #spiritualhealth #christianencouragement #mentalhealthministry #godsgrace
December can feel heavy. Between the holidays, win December can feel heavy. Between the holidays, winter blues, and all the stress of the season, it’s easy to feel worn down. But you don’t have to do it alone.
That’s why we created the Light in the Darkness Giveaway—a bundle designed to bring encouragement, cozy comfort, and hope straight to your heart.
You could win:
 📦 $250 Amazon Giftcard
 📚 Books that bring comfort, truth, and encouragement
 💻 A FREE Digital Resource Pack (10 resources for every participant!)
Hurry! Giveaway Dec 11th, 2025 at midnight
📩 Enter here: [https://kingsumo.com/g/m7g9rxm/light-in-the-darkness-december-giveaway] or via the link in my bio.
✨ Extra entries: Follow all contributors + tag a friend in the comments!
Hosts:
Amber Ginter Johnson — @amberginterauthor
Kimberly Phinney — @thewayback2ourselves
Peyton Garland — @peytonmgarland
Dr. Zoe Shaw — @drzoeshaw
Chris Morris — @chrismorriswrites
Nichole Suvar — @nicholejsuvar
Gina Birkemeier –@myoutloudvoice
Dr. Lee Warren — @drleewarren
Dr. Lisa Stanton — @drlisastanton
S.G. Willoughby — @sgwilloughby
🗓️ Winner announced Dec 12 via KingSumo & contacted within 48 hours.
Important: Giveaway runs December 8th-11th A random winner will be selected via KingSumo on December 12th and contacted within 48 hours. IMPORTANT! The Light in the Darkness Giveaway runs 12/8-12/11/2025. A random winner will be selected via KingSumo on 12/12/2025 and notified within 48 hours. This giveaway is not sponsored or endorsed by anyone but the bunch of us. By entering the giveaway, you agree to receive emails from the contributing authors as part of their email list, but feel free to unsubscribe at any time. All winners must confirm their emails via KingSumo’s confirmation email. We reserve the right to make sure each winner’s email address is valid. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. US and Canada Residents only. Must be 21+ years of age to participate. Thank you for entering.
December can feel heavy. Between the holidays, win December can feel heavy. Between the holidays, winter blues, and all the stress of the season, it’s easy to feel worn down. But you don’t have to do it alone.
That’s why we created the Light in the Darkness Giveaway—a bundle designed to bring encouragement, cozy comfort, and hope straight to your heart.

You could win:
 📦 $250 Amazon Giftcard
 📚 Books that bring comfort, truth, and encouragement
 💻 A FREE Digital Resource Pack (10 resources for every participant!)

Hurry! Giveaway Dec 11th, 2025 at midnight

📩 Enter here: [https://kingsumo.com/g/m7g9rxm/light-in-the-darkness-december-giveaway] or via the link in my bio.
✨ Extra entries: Follow all contributors + tag a friend in the comments!

Hosts:
Amber Ginter Johnson — @amberginterauthor 
Kimberly Phinney — @thewayback2ourselves
Peyton Garland — @peytonmgarland
Dr. Zoe Shaw — @drzoeshaw
Chris Morris — @chrismorriswrites
Nichole Suvar — @nicholejsuvar
Gina Birkemeier –@myoutloudvoice
Dr. Lee Warren — @drleewarren
Dr. Lisa Stanton — @drlisastanton
S.G. Willoughby — @sgwilloughby

🗓️ Winner announced Dec 12 via KingSumo & contacted within 48 hours.

Important: Giveaway runs December 8th-11th A random winner will be selected via KingSumo on December 12th and contacted within 48 hours. IMPORTANT! The Light in the Darkness Giveaway runs 12/8-12/11/2025. A random winner will be selected via KingSumo on 12/12/2025 and notified within 48 hours. This giveaway is not sponsored or endorsed by anyone but the bunch of us. By entering the giveaway, you agree to receive emails from the contributing authors as part of their email list, but feel free to unsubscribe at any time. All winners must confirm their emails via KingSumo’s confirmation email. We reserve the right to make sure each winner’s email address is valid. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. US and Canada Residents only. Must be 21+ years of age to participate. Thank you for entering.
This is a favorite verse that people quote to help This is a favorite verse that people quote to help those with anxiety, and it’s also a verse that is lifted entirely out of its context.

Jeremiah is prophesying to Israel that they should get on with life in Babylon. Some prophets were telling them that God was going to immediately restore their fortunes, and Jeremiah was contradicting those people.

This verse is a very specific promise to the people of God in a very specific set of circumstances. God used Jeremiah to reset expectations on the timing of God to bring Israel out of captivity.

Sure, we can believe that God intends good things for us, and we can glean that from this verse. 

But we can’t claim this promise for ourselves, and it’s not intended to be a balm for our anxiety.
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#christianmentalhealth #anxiety #faith #depression #mentalwellness #christianity #holyspirit #healing #mentalhealthawareness #jesusheals #christianauthor #biblicaltruth #godsgrace #hope #mentalhealthadvocate #christianliving #faithjourney #christianspeaker #prayerrequest #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #biblicalhealing #faithandanxiety #christiansupport #mentalhealthministry #christiandepression #faithoverfear #spiritualwellness #godishere #christianencouragement
The hard truth I had to face is that I was ignorin The hard truth I had to face is that I was ignoring all the warning signs and pretending things were okay when they weren’t.

One of the most important skills you can develop is to be brutally honest with yourself about your mental well-being.

Don’t ignore your warning signs. You could end up in the hospital or worse if you’re not careful. Or if you’re not paying attention.

What warning signs are you ignoring right now?

Read more at resilientandredeemed.substack.com.
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#mentalhealth #christianity #faith #depression #anxiety #mentalhealthawareness #jesus #christianliving #hope #healing #christianauthor #mentalhealthadvocate #christianspeaker #biblicalwisdom #godslove #prayerwarrior #tedxspeaker #christiancommunity #mentalhealthmatters #faithandmentalhealth #biblicalcounseling #christiandepression #mentalhealthministry #christiananxiety #redefiningnormal #rediscoveringhope #faithoverfear #christianhealing #mentalhealthsupport #christianencouragement
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