• Home
  • About
  • Books
  • Signed Books
  • Speaking
  • What People Are Saying
  • Is this for me?
  • Substack
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content

Chris Morris Christian Mental Health

Redefine Normal // Rediscover Hope

  • Home
  • About
  • Books
  • Signed Books
  • Speaking
  • What People Are Saying
  • Is this for me?
  • Substack
  • Contact
  • Search
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.

book banner 2000px

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

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

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/
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/
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
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/

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/
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/
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/
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
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
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/
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/
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
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/
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/
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/
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/
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/

Follow Chris’ Instagram

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!

If you’ve had silence modeled to you, self-advocac If you’ve had silence modeled to you, self-advocacy is very difficult and even feels unnatural. 

Learning to advocate for your own needs in a calm and straightforward manner is one of the best skills you can develop for your mental health. 

Addressing problems or frustrations quickly keeps resentment from building to a level that you can’t control it anymore.

You get to show what your true values are, while also demonstrating that you’re an even-keeled person.

Read more at resilientandredeemed.substack.com.

#christianmentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #faithandmentalhealth #healthyboundaries #biblicalwisdom
Depending on your work or family experiences, it c Depending on your work or family experiences, it could be that you’ve been taught to be silent, even when there’s a reason to speak up. 

Especially if trauma is part of your past, it’s easy to feel like your words or your opinions don’t matter.

This is terribly unhealthy for you, and it’s unfair for those in your life too. 

You’re practicing a small degree of dishonesty by holding in all the little frustrations, and by doing so you keep people from getting to know what makes you tick.

Consider what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian church: “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.” 

You have two choices when confronted with something that produces anger or disappointment: either let it go or address it before the day is out.

There’s a freedom that comes in having short accounts, because you don’t let things fester in your soul.

(Note: I am not addressing trauma or abuse with this advice. Those are deep waters that require counseling and support over the long haul.)

Read more at resilientandredeemed.substack.com.

#christianmentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #faithandmentalhealth #healthyboundaries #biblicalwisdom
“If only” thinking focuses energy on what specific “If only” thinking focuses energy on what specifically is wrong with your life. It’s hard to push past the “if only” thoughts, because they are powerful and appealing.

There’s a simple mind shift you can make to break out of the “if only” spiral.

Ask yourself: “What can I change about my circumstances or my attitude toward my circumstances?”

The end result of this type of mind shift is amazing. You will empower yourself to make the changes you want to see in your life, because you are being intentional about what you are able to actually change.

This shifts the mode of operation from one of frustration to one of activism in your own life. You have to identify and categorize circumstances that can be changed and focus on those alone.

Bryan Cranston said, “I learned a long time ago to focus on things you can control and don’t even pay attention to things you don’t.” 

Here’s to learning to focus on the right things!

Read more at resilientandredeemed.substack.com.

#christianmentalhealth #faithandmentalhealth #redefiningnormal #christianandanxious #mentalhealthministry
It’s hard to push past the “if only” thoughts, bec It’s hard to push past the “if only” thoughts, because they are powerful and appealing. 

But here’s what I’ve learned: this type of thinking keeps you stuck in a place where your mental well-being is at the mercy of things you can’t control.

When you find yourself in this frame of mind, it’s time for a flip. 

Ask yourself: “What can I change about my circumstances or my attitude toward my circumstances?” Then make the decision to prioritize the things you can directly impact.

This begins to move the focus away from those things you can’t change and puts you in the driver’s seat of your own life.

Read more at resilientandredeemed.substack.com.

#christianmentalhealth #faithandmentalhealth #redefiningnormal #christianandanxious #mentalhealthministry
“I would be fine, if only ___.” “If only” is a po “I would be fine, if only ___.”

“If only” is a powerful phrase, one that can really trip you up if you’re not careful. 

“If only” can keep you from seeing the best in your current circumstances. “If only” can destroy hope and challenge your mental well-being all at the same time.

The blank is almost irrelevant, and it changes often, sometimes daily. 

This is an unhealthy thought pattern because it places your mental well-being at the mercy of others, or at the mercy of circumstances you can’t change.

Time to flip the script and ask: What CAN I change about my circumstances or my attitude toward my circumstances?

Read more at resilientandredeemed.substack.com.

#christianmentalhealth #faithandmentalhealth #redefiningnormal #christianandanxious #mentalhealthministry
It’s easy to post about mental health awareness. I It’s easy to post about mental health awareness. It’s harder to confront the pastor who told someone to stop taking antidepressants and “just trust God more.”

It’s easy to say “the church should do better.” It’s harder to actually create space for the depressed person to lead a small group or the anxious mom to serve on the worship team.

Real change requires more than acknowledging mental health exists. It requires:

Challenging the theology that treats mental illness as spiritual failure
Creating actual systems of support, not just awareness campaigns
Letting people with mental health conditions lead, not just receive ministry
Being willing to lose the approval of people who think you’re being “too soft on sin”

I’m not interested in surface-level support. 

I’m interested in transformation—where the church becomes the safest place for people struggling with mental health, not the place that adds to their shame.

That’s uncomfortable work. But it’s the work that actually changes lives.
*
*
*
*
*
#christianmentalhealth #anxiety #faith #depression #healing #mentalwellness #christianity #jesus #mentalhealthawareness #christianauthor #hope #biblicaltruth #mentalhealthadvocate #christianliving #christianspeaker #godslove #prayerrequest #holyspirit #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #faithandanxiety #biblicalhealing #christiansupport #mentalhealthministry #christiandepression #tedxspeaker #spiritualwellness #christianencouragement #redefiningnormal #rediscoveringhope
When someone suggests that prayer alone should fix When someone suggests that prayer alone should fix your mental illness, they mean well. But meaning well doesn’t make it true or helpful.

Here’s what you can say: 

“I appreciate your concern. I am praying. I’m also seeing a counselor because I believe God gives us multiple tools for healing—not just spiritual ones.”

Or: “God created both my brain and the medications that help it function better. I’m using all the resources He’s provided.”

You don’t owe anyone a defense of your treatment plan. But if you want to respond, keep it simple and firm.

The biblical approach to mental health isn’t prayer OR therapy. It’s all hands on deck—prayer, Scripture, medication, counseling, community, and transparency all working together.

James says if anyone lacks wisdom, ask God. But Proverbs says wise people seek counsel. Both are true. Both matter.

Don’t let someone else’s incomplete theology make you feel guilty for getting comprehensive care.
*
*
*
*
*
#mentalhealth #depression #christianity #faith #anxiety #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
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.
*
*
*
*
*
#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.
*
*
*
*
*
#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.
*
*
*
*
*
#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
Follow on Instagram

Site Footer

  • Home
  • About Chris Morris
  • Books
  • Speaking
  • What People Are Saying
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Me

Copyright © 2026 · Chris Morris Writes. All Rights Reserved.
Website by Stormhill Media
Log in

Sign up for Chris’ Substack

chris morris 5 thm

Resilient and Redeemed
For Christians who struggle with their mental health

Sign up

Privacy Policy