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Mental health is a topic that we talk about a lot today. In general, mental health refers to our emotional, social and psychological well-being. Just as physical health refers to the overall well-being of our bodies – from physical fitness to body composition to freedom from disease or chronic illness – mental health is when our minds are in good shape. Our mind encompasses emotions, feelings and cognition. When we are mentally healthy, our thoughts and feelings are balanced and regular. Generally, being mentally healthy means that we are able to cope with stress easily and productively and manage our emotions effectively, so that we control them instead of our emotions controlling us.
The Bible prioritizes mental health. As Proverbs 4:23 proclaims: “Above all, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (KJV). The Hebrew word used here for “heart”, lebtranslates to the inner self, the seat of thought and emotion.
Mental health problems occur when we are not in good mental health, whether it is a diagnosed mental illness (such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.) or a short-term period of mental imbalance. A diagnosed, long-term, ongoing mental illness is sometimes a chemical disorder that is best treated by seeking the advice and guidance of a qualified mental health physician, counselor, or pastor – just as a serious physical illness, such as cancer or diabetes – is best treated through the care of a physician. Mental illness can be caused by other factors, such as genetics or trauma (such as war or abuse).
But sometimes mental health problems are caused by things we do regularly that distract us from our balanced, synchronized thoughts and feelings.
These habits disrupt and undo our efforts to achieve peace and serenity emotionally and mentally, and sometimes we don’t even realize that we are causing it.
Here are five sneaky habits that cause serious mental health problems:
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1. Poor sleep
Good sleep is essential for the proper functioning of the body and mind. The National Institutes of Health recommends that most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep, and possibly more if you’re recovering from an illness.
Sleep allows our brains and bodies to recover and repair, rest and recharge so they can function properly. Sleep keeps our brains healthy, regulates our hormones, and resets our immune system. It helps us learn and create new (and long-term) memories.
When we don’t get enough sleep, all of this suffers. We are tired and ultimately exhausted. We don’t think correctly. Stress hormones are produced, which can lead to body problems like weight gain and heart problems. Our memory and ability to learn are negatively affected. And our emotions have a huge impact.
A lack of sufficient and regular sleep is known to lead to a host of emotional problems such as depression, irritability and anxiety. Positive emotions diminish, so we usually feel gloomy and hopeless. We become prone to mood swings because we don’t have the energy to properly regulate our emotions. When we experience stress, a sleep-deprived brain has a reduced ability to cope properly.
We know from the Bible that Jesus worked hard, but he also took time to rest. The Bible tells us that after healing several people, Jesus fell asleep on the boat as he was crossing the lake (Matthew 8:23-27). He slept so hard that his disciples had to wake him when a storm broke out.
We must prioritize adequate sleep to prevent the onset of serious mental health problems.
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2. Poor diet
What we eat also affects our body and mind. Eating well—a healthy, balanced diet consisting of foods from all food groups, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy proteins—helps us think clearly and stay alert and attentive. It helps regulate our moods and improves our ability to concentrate.
The opposite – eating poorly, with an addiction to sugar, processed foods and unhealthy fats and proteins – only leads to problems. It makes us lazy and can slow our reaction time and decision-making, physically and mentally.
Studies also show that poor diet can cause depression and anxiety. This is rooted in science because sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed foods are known to cause inflammation in our brains, and inflammation contributes to mood disorders.
A poor diet can also decrease our cognitive performance and lead to fatigue and lack of energy, which also impacts our mental health.
Additionally, some processed foods (especially processed foods and sugary drinks) can be addictive, which turns into a craving cycle that can quickly spiral out of control.
Although the Bible does not specifically address proper nutrition, it says quite a bit about the need to take care of our bodies properly, as it is a temple for the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Additionally, much of the Old Testament laws include dietary laws (Leviticus 11), which shows us that God knows that certain foods are good for us and lead to health, spiritually and physically, and He believes that is important.
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3. Not exercising
Lack of physical activity is a major contributor to serious mental health problems. In many ways, today’s society promotes a sedentary lifestyle. Many people work at a desk all day, then come home and sit in front of the television or check their phone all evening.
But it’s terrible for our body and our mind.
Physical inactivity is a major contributor to mental illness. A person who doesn’t exercise is more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, loneliness and self-esteem issues.
Exercise releases endorphins, which improve our mood. Exercise also reduces stress hormones, such as cortisol. It can also help regulate our sleep patterns and give us more energy overall.
One of the virtues mentioned concerning the Proverbs 31 woman is physical strength. As Proverbs 31:17 notes: “She sets to work with vigor; his arms are strong for his task. »
Exercise doesn’t have to mean excess. It can be done at any age, health or skill level. Walking is a form of exercise, just like swimming, dancing, jogging, Pilates, flexibility training, or weightlifting. Any physical activity that gets you moving and burns calories is considered exercise.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity. This equates to 30 minutes five days a week.
Sometimes exercise seems like the last thing you want to do, especially when you’re depressed. But force yourself to do even a little. You will soon feel the mental health benefits.
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4. Substance Use
Substance use also harms our mental health. Substance use essentially involves introducing certain substances into the body, whether through ingestion, injection, inhalation, or other consumption. These substances may include alcohol (hard liquor, beer or wine), drugs (illegal, over-the-counter or prescription), tobacco or inhalants.
Note that the habit listed here is not just a substance abuse, but the bottom to use. Indeed, any substance that we introduce into the body can have an impact on us. For example, even moderate or light alcohol consumption can worsen or create mental health problems. Alcohol is a depressant, and although at first it makes a person less anxious or more relaxed, over time it ends up being harmful, instead of helpful. Even a small amount can impair your judgment and decision-making, increase impulsivity, and cause mood swings.
Medications (even prescription and over-the-counter medications) can worsen underlying conditions and change brain chemistry, impacting dopamine and serotonin.
Tobacco can increase anxiety, tension and depression, while inhalants (whether vaping or abusing household chemicals) can change the way your brain communicates with other parts of your body, leading to mental health problems.
In 1 Peter 5:8we are commanded: “Be vigilant and sober. Your enemy, the devil, prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Substance use, even if it is not abuse, can impact our ability to stay sober, ultimately giving the devil a foothold and leading to mental health issues.
Related Resource: He Relapsed After 5 Years of Sobriety: Jeramy Houghton on Obedience, Pride, and Honest Surrender
“I became proud. I was like, ‘I’ll never drink again.’ And then all of a sudden…it looked really good. This conversation with Jeramy Houghton is a reminder that recovery is rarely clean or linear. Jeramy shares how naming his desire out loud before acting on it changed everything, revealing unresolved family pain and leading to difficult but necessary boundaries. His story is not about perfection or permanence. It’s about humility, obedience, and the kind of freedom in Christ that continues to invite deeper truth long after sobriety begins. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, share this podcast or follow Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic on Apple Or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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5. Lack of self-esteem
The Bible tells us to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). But sometimes we treat others better than ourselves and we even treat ourselves quite badly. We forget that we are beloved children s of God. We engage in negative self-talk, blaming ourselves for past sins or failures. We hold ourselves to ridiculously high standards that we would never demand of anyone else. We compare ourselves to those we see on television or even to our friends or acquaintances on social media, instead of realizing that we are created solely by God. We isolate ourselves from others, always withdraw into ourselves, or maintain relationships with toxic people who undermine our self-esteem.
All of this leads to mental health problems, including depression.
Jesus’ command to love your neighbor as yourself suggests that self-care and self-love are important to God and that we should treat ourselves and others with care and love.
God does not want us to blame ourselves; he wants us to give grace to others, as well as to ourselves. As Romans 3:23-24 reminds us: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came through Jesus Christ. ” And Hebrews 4:16 exhorts: “Let us therefore approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our times of need.
These are just a few sneaky habits that can cause serious health problems. Take an honest look at whether you are struggling in any of these areas and pray for the strength to stop or change these habits so that you can live the full healthy life God intended.
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This article was originally published on Christianity.com. For more faith-building resources, visit Christianity.com.
Originally published on Wednesday July 16, 2025.
