A refreshing and transformative approach to mental health

As a teenager and young adult, I suffered from repetitive thoughts of “You are fat; you are ugly; you are stupid” – like a vicious mental recording. Intellectually I knew I was not any of those things, but when I listened to the words and accepted their message, it impacted my self-esteem and made me feel unlovable and inadequate. It also led to medically diagnosed depression and an eating disorder.

When I was in graduate school, I started studying Christian Science. I discovered I had a divine right to say no to hurtful messages about what I am and replace them with the truth about my spiritual selfhood as God’s child.

Reading the Bible in conjunction with the Christian Science textbook, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by Mary Baker Eddy, I discovered a new way of thinking. I saw that we are entirely spiritual and possess a divine heritage that is incontrovertible. Happiness, peace, and contentment are natural, spiritual qualities that we reflect as children of God, Spirit. Anything that tells us otherwise is not from God and is therefore not true.

Previously, I had accepted the all-too-common view of man: that we are material and mortal and can perpetually suffer from mental and physical ailments. For a time I sought therapy for my challenges with mental health – delving into why, how, when, and where the negative self-talk had originated.

Although such psychological treatment was comforting for a while, and the therapists were compassionate, I needed the radical change that Christian Science brought to how I approached mental health. Rather than identifying with the problem and trying to manage it through medication or counseling, I learned to listen intently to God instead. My medicine was spiritual ideas affirming my divine heritage, with God as my Father-Mother and me as His flawless creation.

In Science and Health, there are numerous imperatives that provide a glorious promise of freedom. We read, for instance, “Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts” (p. 261).

So, I occupied myself with perceiving man as God’s beloved child, forever lovely and valued. I considered seven synonyms for God that Mrs. Eddy provides in Science and Health (Principle, Mind, Soul, Spirit, Life, Truth, Love) and identified myself with qualities associated with each.

For instance, since God is infinite Mind, the source of all wisdom and intelligence, we reflect the skill and ability to reason rightly, analyze logically, and perform tasks wisely – so we cannot be stupid.

Soul is the source of tranquility, wholeness, and loveliness – so we cannot be ugly or distressed.

Because Principle is our firm foundation and shield, unwelcome suggestions cannot overpower or dominate our thinking.

Spirit maintains our spiritual perfection as a precious idea of God.

God is Life; therefore, we are active, energetic, and productive. We can’t be depressed or disabled by a chronic disorder.

Divine Truth defends our character, integrity, and dignity as children of God, so we are not denigrated, maligned, or enveloped in turmoil.

Love envelops us in the promise that we are cherished and protected by God, not manacled to labels antithetical to our true selfhood.

This Bible verse buoyed my daily efforts: “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). Discarding ugly suggestions about my identity, remaining vigilant about what crossed the threshold of my consciousness, and daily acknowledging my inherent spiritual perfection brought strength and inspiration to my life.

My peace came quietly, without fanfare. As one year slipped into another, the negative recording about what I am came less frequently. I was no longer susceptible to its message as I grounded myself in spiritual truths. At some point, the unwelcome suggestions disappeared, the depression vanished, the tension over food dissolved, and my eating habits normalized.

Christian Science provides an antidote for mental disorder or disturbance by empowering us to grasp our true nature as spiritual, reflecting God in beauty, perfection, and glory. Mental peace is a God-bestowed right, but if this is challenged, our defense lies in affirming and accepting the presence of an all-powerful God who speaks with tender and loving authority to all of creation and at all times.

Adapted from an article published in the Dec. 5, 2022, issue of the Christian Science Sentinel.