woman looking out window

Know that mental health challenges have many contributing factors.

In John 9:2 the Savior’s disciples asked Him about a blind man: “Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered His disciples and taught them, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him” (John 9:3). From this brief exchange we can learn that many afflictions, including mental health challenges, are not the result of sin and that we can be healed. Many factors can contribute to mental health challenges—genetics, environment, impairing accidents, life circumstances, and, at times, choices. Regardless of the contributing factors, we can draw strength from the Savior for hope and healing. We should not automatically conclude that a mental health challenge is directly caused by sin or that it is a character weakness.