On Being Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder
& Identity in Christ

Video Recording of Live Event
A diagnosis is not the end of your story—it's the start of a new chapter.
While the problems experienced by those labeled with a mental disorder may vary from person to person, the Scriptures offer us a redemptive perspective from which to process these difficult circumstances. In this session, I share my story of being previously labeled with a mental disorder, and explain how biblical truths about my identity in Christ gave me renewed hope on my journey to healing.

Throughout this recording, I offer insights as to how identity in Christ informs our perspective, purpose, and plans as we work through the hard questions that come with being diagnosed with a mental disorder. By doing so, I hope to encourage viewers to remember that the truest thing about them is not their diagnosis, but their status as a redeemed child of God.

This recording was taken from a live Zoom presentation broadcasted to a live audience at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Centereach, NY during an event they hosted for their congregants on the topic of emotional/spiritual/mental health. It is being shared publicly with permission of the event host.
Key Scriptures
• Romans 5:3-5
• Isaiah 61:3
• 1 Peter 2:9-10
• Romans 9:25
• 2 Corinthians 5:17
• John 1:12-13
• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
• 1 Corinthians 10:31
• John 6:28-29
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
• 2 Corinthians 4:16
• 2 Corinthians 4:17
• Romans 8:28
Key Points
• Identity in Christ informs our perspective, purpose, and plans.
• God uses suffering as a catalyst for transformation.
• Labels can skew our perspective.
• A diagnosis does not supersede or void our identity in Christ.
• Identity in Christ helps us to interpret our problems.
• There is hope: God will continue to change you from the inside out.
• God calls us by name to have a seat at his table.
• It's possible for us to worship healing more than God.
• When we idolize healing, we'll inevitably cycle in and out of despair.
• God simplifies our goal for living.
• We can bring glory to God in simple ways.
• Living to bring glory to God is a goal within reach today.
• When good goals become ultimate goals, they turn into burdens.
• God isn't calling us to obtain complete self-knowledge.
• Today we can choose to glorify God and believe his word.
• We glorify God in our sorrow when we bring him our tears.
• God invites us to become his adopted child through Christ.
• A diagnosis is not the truest thing about you.
• God will use this experience to grow you, glorify him, and gift his church.
• We can choose to steward our stories to the glory of God.
• God's promises give us hope when we feel trapped by a diagnosis.
• Nothing—not even a diagnosis—can separate you from God's love.
• God's got a grip on you, and you can trust him.
• Diagnostic criteria changes—God view of you does not.
• Remember what's most true—take refuge and rest in Christ.
Related Helpful Resources

Broken by Depression: Broken Vessels Podcast Interview

I recently had the opportunity to join Joshua Simpkins on his podcast, Broken Vessels, to talk about the brokenness of depression and some of the questions and challenges that arise when we navigate that journey with Christ.
Christine M. Chappell
Author • Podcast Host • Speaker
Christine is the author of Clean Home, Messy Heart and Help! My Teen is Depressed, as well as forthcoming titles Help! I've Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder and Midnight Mercies: Hope for the Dark Hours of Motherhood. She hosts IBCD's Hope + Help Podcast and is passionate about advocating for biblical one-another care and discipleship in the context of the local church. Her writing has been featured at Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition, Risen Motherhood, Servants of Grace, and other Christian platforms. Christine blogs regularly at christinemchappell.com and lives in South Carolina with her husband and three children. 
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