My “Me”, Affects Our “We”! by Neesha M. Stringfellow

The gift of our minds is a beautiful reminder of God’s love for us. While one person can accomplish amazing things, just think about what two minds can achieve together! As the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” This emphasizes the power of God’s gift in marriage. In Matthew 18:20, it says, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them,” which shows us that we can draw on incredible strength when we come together.

To truly embrace this power, we need to take care of our own mental health. The connection between marriage and mental wellness is essential. My mental state affects not just me, but also my spouse, our kids, and even future generations.

~ “My Me Affects Our We” – Wes and Neesha

If I’m not nurturing my own mental health, it can impact every aspect of my life, including my marriage.

Many couples say that marriage is hard, but the reality is that it becomes challenging when individuals don’t invest time in their own well-being. It’s not the marriage itself that is tough; rather, it’s the lack of personal growth and healing that can lead to issues. Mental health journeys are real for everyone. While not everyone faces mental illness, we all need to be intentional about our mental well-being. As 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

We are grateful for the gift of marriage, but when mental health struggles arise, they can significantly impact the relationship. 

It’s also important to recognize that families with children facing mental health challenges may experience additional difficulties. This not only affects the husband and wife but also creates challenges for all family members. 

Therefore, I encourage you to seek out resources that can support mental health and strengthen your marriage. HeartLife Ministries collaborates with the Sound Minds Mental Health Awareness and Solutions Conference, offering valuable insights on this topic. We also provide HeartLife Recovery 180, a program dedicated to supporting families and communities globally.

Don’t hesitate to seek help when you’re feeling off or losing control. Instead of pointing fingers at your spouse, take a moment to look within yourself. As the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves.” Ask God for guidance on how to become the healthiest version of yourself for your own sake and for the sake of your marriage.

This article on mental health and marriage is written by Neesha Stringfellow, the Executive Director of the HeartLife Recovery 180 program at HeartLife Ministries. Let’s work together to build strong and loving marriages!