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[](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/) # [Ali Earthman](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/) Subscribe Sign in # When Darkness Clouds the Mind ### Suffering, Scripture, and Supplemental Support [](https://substack.com/@alisonewrites) [Ali Earthman](https://substack.com/@alisonewrites) Mar 05, 2026 24 22 13 Share I am a Christian. I also have severe PTSD and OCD. *** I believe in the sufficiency of Scripture. I also see a counselor regularly. *** My counselor uses some “secular” techniques, such as Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) for my OCD. My counselor also continuously reminds me that Jesus is my ultimate hope, healing comes from Him alone, full healing is not promised in this lifetime, and that I am simultaneously a saint, sinner, and sufferer. *** These statements are not contradictory. They *can* coexist. But they often do not. *** ## Diving Into Ditches In today’s world, the secular sphere of psychology has embraced a belief system that often looks like this: - **Our diagnoses are a core aspect of our identity.** - **Our ultimate hope is found in psychiatric and therapeutic treatments.** - **We are objectively good, innocent creatures who are solely victims of our circumstances. An individual’s mental health issues are never a result of their own sin.** Many Christians understandably grimace when they hear such claims. None of these align with Scripture’s teachings. However, some Christians, out of fear, run hard and fast in the opposite direction and end up diving into another ditch. This ditch looks something like: - **All mental health diagnoses are false and unhelpful.** - **Mental health issues are merely sin issues.** - **Psychiatric and therapeutic treatments are never needed or helpful for a believer’s healing.** - **If an individual struggles with mental health issues, it is because they lack faith or are living in sin.** Reading those statements, you may be wondering what the middle ground looks like in this conversation. I’d like to suggest that it looks something like this: - **Mental health diagnoses are not a believer’s identity[1](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-1-189912936), but can be a common grace and good gift from God**[2](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-2-189912936) **when placed under Scripture’s authority.** - **Sometimes, psychiatric and therapeutic interventions are helpful—and even necessary—for a believer’s earthly healing**[3](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-3-189912936)**. Again, such graces must not be elevated to an ultimate thing.** - **We are all sinners, but we are also saints and sufferers**[4](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-4-189912936)**. Additionally, we are both spiritual and physical beings**[5](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-5-189912936)**. Sometimes, mental health struggles are a result of our own sin. But other times, they are not**[6](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-6-189912936)**. There are a variety of reasons (physically, neurologically, emotionally, and spiritually) a Christian may suffer from mental health conditions in this life, unrelated to their faith or ongoing sin struggles.** *** ## When Legalism Creeps In Notice how all of these statements live in the *“can/sometimes/maybe”* sphere. Unless Scripture expressly forbids something, we ought not forbid it either. To forbid something not forbidden by God is to bind the conscience where He has not.[7](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-7-189912936) That is legalism, and legalism is a wicked sin in the eyes of God. Here are some areas in which legalism may creep into this topic. Stating that the following are inherently wrong or sinful: - **Going to therapy/counseling** - **Taking psychiatric medication** - **Seeking psychiatric help** Now, could those things be used in sinful or unbiblical ways? *Absolutely.* But does the risk of something being used sinfully give us permission to *actually* sin by forbidding it? *Absolutely not.* Unless Scripture expressly forbids something, we ought not forbid it either. To forbid something not forbidden by God is to bind the conscience where He has not. That is legalism, and legalism is a wicked sin in the eyes of God. In this article, we won’t get into all the details and hypotheticals of what would make for a biblical use of counseling, medication, etc., and what would be sinful. Such a topic is far too nuanced. But a helpful litmus test is to always return to what Scripture does say. Amazingly, in reading the Word, you’ll find we have far more freedom in Christ than we tend to assume. At the same time, we should be diligent to seek out help that doesn’t pull us away from the object of our faith and freedom: Jesus. This is a great conversation to have with church elders, your spouse, family, and faithful friends. > Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. > > *1 Peter 2:16* *** ## Spiritual and Physical Beings Lastly, we’ll look at the claim that all mental health issues can be solved by addressing ongoing sin and exhorting with Scripture. Often unintentionally, this reduces the Christian to being a purely spiritual being, rather than acknowledging the physical aspect of humanity which is also marred by the fall. Although we should *certainly* keep our spiritual life in the forefront of all healing endeavors, it would be unwise to neglect the physical components that may be impacting the spiritual, emotional, and mental. Just as repentance cannot heal brain cancer (and no levelheaded Christian would suggest such a thing!), there are circumstances in which physicians and other “secular” treatments may become critical supplemental aids for suffering Christians. In the same way Scripture does not discuss chemotherapy or how to fix a leaky faucet—yet we recognize seeking help from people trained to do these things well is wise at times—the same can be applied to a believer seeking help from a clinically trained professional when initial attempts to get one’s head above water fail. Once again, assuming such help does not bind the believer’s conscience against Christ and the Scriptures. Rather, as these treatments have slowly started to take effect, I have only understood, looked to, and loved my Savior all the more. Fortunately, in the five years I’ve been on medication, and the one year I’ve been taking part in ERP (a “secular” treatment for OCD, led by a biblical counselor), I have not once been tempted to abandon my biblical values or identity in Christ. Rather, as these treatments have slowly started to take effect, I have only understood, looked to, and loved my Savior all the more. *** I hope this essay served as a comfort and helpful resource to any who have been misled, confused, or hurt by either extreme mentioned above. Resist the lie that you cannot find peace and comfort in the happy medium. Your identity is in Jesus Christ—not in modern medicine *or* your ability to “clean yourself up” without supplemental help from such common graces. So breathe, fix your eyes upon your Savior, and walk in the freedom found in Him alone.[8](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-8-189912936) [Share](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share) *** *If you’d like to support my work, you’re welcome to share this piece, subscribe, or [fund one of the coffees](https://buymeacoffee.com/aliearthman) that fuels my writing.* *Grateful for you.* *Grace and peace,* *Ali* [1](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-anchor-1-189912936) *See Gal. 2:20* [2](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-anchor-2-189912936) *See James 1:17* [3](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-anchor-3-189912936) *See 1 Tim. 5:23, as well as verses from footnote 7* [4](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-anchor-4-189912936) *See Rom. 7:21-25; 1 Pet. 2:9; 4:12-13* [5](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-anchor-5-189912936) *See Rom. 8:20-23, Ps. 32:3-4* [6](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-anchor-6-189912936) *See John 9:1-3; Job 1-2; Luke 13:1-5* [7](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-anchor-7-189912936) *See Rom. 14: 1-4; Col. 2:20-23; 1 Tim. 4:1-5* [8](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-anchor-8-189912936) *See John 8:36; Gal. 5:1* 24 22 13 Share Previous Next #### Discussion about this post Comments Restacks [](https://substack.com/profile/421658991-the-anointed-misfit?utm_source=comment) [The Anointed Misfit ✞](https://substack.com/profile/421658991-the-anointed-misfit?utm_source=substack-feed-item) [Mar 5](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind/comment/223554830 "Mar 5, 2026, 7:39 PM") Liked by Ali Earthman I couldn’t wait to read this!! You did such an incredible job with the topic. Seriously. This is a conversation believers need more of. Thank you for putting into words something a lot of us have felt but don’t always know how to say it. 🤍 [Reply]() [Share]() [1 reply by Ali Earthman](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind/comment/223554830) [](https://substack.com/profile/353872528-daniela?utm_source=comment) [Daniela](https://substack.com/profile/353872528-daniela?utm_source=substack-feed-item) [Mar 5](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind/comment/223597046 "Mar 5, 2026, 9:07 PM") Liked by Ali Earthman This is something that I have dealt with as somebody diagnosed with a mental illness. I spoke my concerns to both my pastor and my psychiatrist. They told me to stay on my meds and continue abiding in my faith. Thank you for finding the nuance between the two "ditches" that make people hesitant to seek help. [Reply]() [Share]() [1 reply by Ali Earthman](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind/comment/223597046) [20 more comments...](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind/comments) Top Latest Discussions No posts ### Ready for more? © 2026 Ali Earthman · [Privacy](https://substack.com/privacy) ∙ [Terms](https://substack.com/tos) ∙ [Collection notice](https://substack.com/ccpa#personal-data-collected) [Start your Substack](https://substack.com/signup?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_content=footer) [Get the app](https://substack.com/app/app-store-redirect?utm_campaign=app-marketing&utm_content=web-footer-button) [Substack](https://substack.com/) is the home for great culture This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Please [turn on JavaScript](https://enable-javascript.com/) or unblock scripts

I am a Christian. I also have severe PTSD and OCD. I believe in the sufficiency of Scripture. I also see a counselor regularly. My counselor uses some “secular” techniques, such as Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) for my OCD. My counselor also continuously reminds me that Jesus is my ultimate hope, healing comes from Him alone, full healing is not promised in this lifetime, and that I am simultaneously a saint, sinner, and sufferer. These statements are not contradictory. They *can* coexist. But they often do not. In today’s world, the secular sphere of psychology has embraced a belief system that often looks like this: - **Our diagnoses are a core aspect of our identity.** - **Our ultimate hope is found in psychiatric and therapeutic treatments.** - **We are objectively good, innocent creatures who are solely victims of our circumstances. An individual’s mental health issues are never a result of their own sin.** Many Christians understandably grimace when they hear such claims. None of these align with Scripture’s teachings. However, some Christians, out of fear, run hard and fast in the opposite direction and end up diving into another ditch. This ditch looks something like: - **All mental health diagnoses are false and unhelpful.** - **Mental health issues are merely sin issues.** - **Psychiatric and therapeutic treatments are never needed or helpful for a believer’s healing.** - **If an individual struggles with mental health issues, it is because they lack faith or are living in sin.** Reading those statements, you may be wondering what the middle ground looks like in this conversation. I’d like to suggest that it looks something like this: - **Mental health diagnoses are not a believer’s identity[1](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-1-189912936), but can be a common grace and good gift from God**[2](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-2-189912936) **when placed under Scripture’s authority.** - **Sometimes, psychiatric and therapeutic interventions are helpful—and even necessary—for a believer’s earthly healing**[3](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-3-189912936)**. Again, such graces must not be elevated to an ultimate thing.** - **We are all sinners, but we are also saints and sufferers**[4](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-4-189912936)**. Additionally, we are both spiritual and physical beings**[5](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-5-189912936)**. Sometimes, mental health struggles are a result of our own sin. But other times, they are not**[6](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-6-189912936)**. There are a variety of reasons (physically, neurologically, emotionally, and spiritually) a Christian may suffer from mental health conditions in this life, unrelated to their faith or ongoing sin struggles.** Notice how all of these statements live in the *“can/sometimes/maybe”* sphere. Unless Scripture expressly forbids something, we ought not forbid it either. To forbid something not forbidden by God is to bind the conscience where He has not.[7](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-7-189912936) That is legalism, and legalism is a wicked sin in the eyes of God. Here are some areas in which legalism may creep into this topic. Stating that the following are inherently wrong or sinful: - **Going to therapy/counseling** - **Taking psychiatric medication** - **Seeking psychiatric help** Now, could those things be used in sinful or unbiblical ways? *Absolutely.* But does the risk of something being used sinfully give us permission to *actually* sin by forbidding it? *Absolutely not.* Unless Scripture expressly forbids something, we ought not forbid it either. To forbid something not forbidden by God is to bind the conscience where He has not. That is legalism, and legalism is a wicked sin in the eyes of God. In this article, we won’t get into all the details and hypotheticals of what would make for a biblical use of counseling, medication, etc., and what would be sinful. Such a topic is far too nuanced. But a helpful litmus test is to always return to what Scripture does say. Amazingly, in reading the Word, you’ll find we have far more freedom in Christ than we tend to assume. At the same time, we should be diligent to seek out help that doesn’t pull us away from the object of our faith and freedom: Jesus. This is a great conversation to have with church elders, your spouse, family, and faithful friends. > Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. > > *1 Peter 2:16* Lastly, we’ll look at the claim that all mental health issues can be solved by addressing ongoing sin and exhorting with Scripture. Often unintentionally, this reduces the Christian to being a purely spiritual being, rather than acknowledging the physical aspect of humanity which is also marred by the fall. Although we should *certainly* keep our spiritual life in the forefront of all healing endeavors, it would be unwise to neglect the physical components that may be impacting the spiritual, emotional, and mental. Just as repentance cannot heal brain cancer (and no levelheaded Christian would suggest such a thing!), there are circumstances in which physicians and other “secular” treatments may become critical supplemental aids for suffering Christians. In the same way Scripture does not discuss chemotherapy or how to fix a leaky faucet—yet we recognize seeking help from people trained to do these things well is wise at times—the same can be applied to a believer seeking help from a clinically trained professional when initial attempts to get one’s head above water fail. Once again, assuming such help does not bind the believer’s conscience against Christ and the Scriptures. Rather, as these treatments have slowly started to take effect, I have only understood, looked to, and loved my Savior all the more. Fortunately, in the five years I’ve been on medication, and the one year I’ve been taking part in ERP (a “secular” treatment for OCD, led by a biblical counselor), I have not once been tempted to abandon my biblical values or identity in Christ. Rather, as these treatments have slowly started to take effect, I have only understood, looked to, and loved my Savior all the more. I hope this essay served as a comfort and helpful resource to any who have been misled, confused, or hurt by either extreme mentioned above. Resist the lie that you cannot find peace and comfort in the happy medium. Your identity is in Jesus Christ—not in modern medicine *or* your ability to “clean yourself up” without supplemental help from such common graces. So breathe, fix your eyes upon your Savior, and walk in the freedom found in Him alone.[8](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-8-189912936) [Share](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share) *If you’d like to support my work, you’re welcome to share this piece, subscribe, or [fund one of the coffees](https://buymeacoffee.com/aliearthman) that fuels my writing.* *Grateful for you.* *Grace and peace,* *Ali* [3](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-anchor-3-189912936) *See 1 Tim. 5:23, as well as verses from footnote 7* [4](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-anchor-4-189912936) *See Rom. 7:21-25; 1 Pet. 2:9; 4:12-13* [5](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-anchor-5-189912936) *See Rom. 8:20-23, Ps. 32:3-4* [6](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-anchor-6-189912936) *See John 9:1-3; Job 1-2; Luke 13:1-5* [7](https://alisonewrites.substack.com/p/when-darkness-clouds-the-mind#footnote-anchor-7-189912936) *See Rom. 14: 1-4; Col. 2:20-23; 1 Tim. 4:1-5*