Exploring the Impact of Purpose on Mental Health

What do you think happens when we tell people they have no lasting purpose and then wonder why they feel hopeless? It’s a troubling question, isn’t it?

Currently, I’m volunteering with the Stranraer Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland. On October 15, the church will host a free public talk on depression at 7 p.m. This topic is particularly important because the effects of depression extend beyond the individual and affect families, communities, and even nations.

Sometimes, it feels like the battle against sin and sorrow is one that every Christian faces. But there’s a sense that, despite it all, Christ is working within us. Our hope relies on His faithfulness rather than on our ability to maintain a positive outlook.

As a professor at Arizona State University, I often see the relevance of this issue among my students. According to the 2024-2025 Healthy Minds Study, which collected data from over 84,000 students across 135 institutions, 37% reported experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms, with another 33% dealing with significant anxiety. While these figures have improved somewhat since 2022, the overall burden remains substantial.

Similarly, the situation in Great Britain is concerning, too. An analysis by the NHS England indicated that 22.6% of adults aged 16-64 reported a common mental health condition in 2023-2024—up from 18.9% in 2014. For young adults between 16 and 24, that number climbed to 25.8%. Scotland’s 2023-2024 survey revealed that 10% of adults experienced at least two symptoms of depression, and 16% noted at least two symptoms of anxiety.

Some individuals look for solace in alcohol or drugs. Yet, that self-medication can quickly turn into another kind of prison. As the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism points out, alcohol might temporarily alleviate anxiety, but heavy drinking and withdrawal can make things worse. Tragically, in the UK, there were 9,809 alcohol-related deaths recorded in 2024. In England and Wales, it was reported that offenders were believed to be under the influence of alcohol in 39% of violent incidents from 2023-2024.

It’s crucial to remember that clinical depression isn’t solely a matter of lacking faith. Many devoted Christians face it, and medical interventions can indeed provide relief. What I’m concerned about, however, is a deeper kind of spiritual hopelessness. What kind of perspective on life can support someone when joy diminishes and pain persists?

The government can fund treatments and necessary services, but it can’t offer redemption. No policy can resolve the fundamental question we often ignore: Why should I feel hopeful? If we view humans merely as biological entities that exist momentarily before fading away, what enduring significance can suffering even have?

This doesn’t mean that all government interventions are ineffective; there can be successes. Yet, it shows that government has its limitations. A list of suggested behaviors may assist in addressing an issue but won’t provide a reason for living or mend our connection to God. The heart of the matter runs more profound than simply a misunderstanding of the guidelines.

A society that reduces humanity to mere urges, chemical reactions, and consumerism shouldn’t be surprised by a crisis of purpose. Fleeting pleasure and distractions can’t shoulder the weight of our human experience. A night spent escaping reality doesn’t erase the existential inquiries awaiting us the next day.

Christianity emerges from a different foundation. We are created in the image of God, and Christ redeems us through His sacrifice, giving our lives meaning now, not just in the afterlife.

At times, Christianity can be oversimplified to “you go to heaven when you die and avoid hell,” implying that life before death holds little importance. This viewpoint misses our immediate calling. Alienation from God bears current consequences. While clinical depression doesn’t dictate one’s salvation, a sense of spiritual despair can foreshadow the anguish of being separated from God. However, communion with Christ bestows hope here and now.

To start with, our feelings do not define our identities. Even if we can’t pinpoint why sadness envelops us, we can always turn to God’s Word for guidance. As the psalmist reflects on his troubled soul, he asks, “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” (Psalm 42:5) and then instructs it to “Hope in God.” His sorrow is real, but it doesn’t hold the final say.

Secondly, Christianity provides grace rather than a system of rules to climb for acceptance. Although guidelines can identify wrongdoing, they can’t liberate sinners from the grip of sin. For instance, while Islam’s five pillars outline certain religious duties, it lacks the Reformed Christian doctrine emphasizing justification by grace alone, through faith alone. This distinction is significant: Christian hope rests on what Christ has accomplished, not on our accumulation of religious points.

In contrast, I see no parallel assurance in belief systems centered on reincarnation. Living through cycles of death and rebirth under karma doesn’t promise the reconciliation with God that Christianity offers. Instead, Christianity presents a definitive destination, avoiding an endless loop of attempts to fix and improve ourselves.

Christians grapple with sin and sorrow, yet it’s comforting to know that Christ is at work in us. Our hope is anchored not in the ability to feign happiness but in His faithfulness.

This hope manifests practically within the church. We offer companionship to the lonely, listen to the grieving, pray with the downhearted, and assist families burdened by hardships. Those suffering from discouragement need a supportive community, not accusations suggesting that their sadness indicates a spiritual defeat. The gospel provides us both a powerful message and loving neighbors.

Lastly, the hope found in Christ transcends individual concern. The Great Commission encourages us to reach the world because all nations fall within the scope of Christ’s saving intention. History doesn’t have to progress in a straight upward trajectory; setbacks don’t negate God’s promises. I genuinely believe Scripture points toward a day when “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord” like waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9).

This provides hope for parents, students, and the church to work diligently, even when the latest news suggests defeat.

Christians have hope to offer in a world that seems devoid of it. We should step into the darkness and share that hope. If you’re in the Stranraer area, I invite you to join us on October 15 at 7 p.m. For additional insights on spiritual depression, consider listening to Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ series.