• Identity in mental health can be changed subjectively and objectively

• Subjective and objective identity is a learned and normal skill to learn in challenges

• How God sees us is always through His lens, not our subjective pain

For those beginning our FREE Living Grace or Redefine Grace, we start with the foundation of identity in mental health ... because it's part of the psychological theory for healthy growth (transformation).

You see, from cultural mental health stigma, many people who experience mental health challenges often have to battle "self-stigma."

This is when we often subjectively see ourselves through our weaknesses, not objectively. 

So, through our first chapter (free Living Grace, Redefine Grace, and Thrive Ch. 12) we help group (or personal users) discover how to move from subjective to objective identity and how to balance the two in resilient harmony.

For example:

Subjectively, I AM bipolar, depressed, anxious, or broken.

Objectively, I HAVE bipolar, depressive, or anxious challenges, a difficult condition.

Then, reframing the subjective and objective into a safe, secure, and relational union in Christ ... a newly defined harmony.

Subjectively, I AM a child of God, chosen and loved by God, never alone or separated from Christ.

Objectively, I HAVE all the rights as His child and have loving value, worth, and constant access "in Christ" to be resilient through challenges and restore meaningful life (no matter the challenge). 

Why is this important?

Subjective and objective learning is a foundation for healthy growth in Adult Development theory. Similar principles can be observed in many "change psychological" models, such as transformative learning theory, empowerment theory (for health), and constructive therapies like CBT, ACT, and DBT. 

These are healthy skills to learn, even as adults and especially when we go through various mental health challenges. Again, because mental health moves someone into a new narrative, mostly a negative stigma paradigm shift. Thus, our health conditions may impact and disrupt our lives (moods, behaviors, etc.) but it doesn’t change who we truly are (especially to God). This is good to keep in mind for your loved one (as a spouse or family member).

Living with mental health challenges doesn’t mean you are defective and have to sit on the bench of the Kingdom, it’s the opposite. You are still valuable, relationally worthy, and filled with meaning and purpose (to be uniquely discovered) … you’re loveable (always).

How does God see me?

Years ago, I had the privilege of meeting a dear believer in Christ who was living with a severely debilitating mental health condition. This condition led to misunderstandings and rejection from most churches, and his condition left him on disability and facing numerous life challenges. During one of our meetings, this person fidgeted anxiously in their chair, clearly struggling with discomfort, and stammered as they asked me..."

“What do you think God thinks of me?”

I always try not to give people answers, but help them dialogue in self-discovery principles (defining from intrinsic values), but I thought I would respond with a beginning point for the discussion … I said …

“That’s easy. How does God see Jesus?”

Within seconds, this person’s fidgeting stopped. No clear anxiety or fear. It was somehow a clear “a-ha” moment for them and with a calm, joyful look this person said,

“I get it. I get it!”

I didn’t quote any Scriptures or anything else, something clicked for them (Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scriptures). But we can point to 2 Corinthians 3:18 and another interesting verse in 1 John. After John explains in v.5 “…there is no darkness in Christ” and being full of light, freedom, and love, Ch. 2:8 he sums all this wonder in small but profound truth-phrase, “…which is true in Jesus and in you.” In other words, what the Father and Jesus shared is now being shared in oneness with us (no matter our condition). I love this verse explained in a commentary translation, the Mirror Bible:

“… whatever is true of Jesus is equally true of you! The days of the dominance of darkness as a reference to human life, are over! The true light surely shines with bold certainty and illuminates your life, as it is unveiled in Christ.”

Thus, in this sense, identity is an objective union of what we share in Him. It’s a new creation reality no matter the health, or mental health condition. Some of the most unheard heroes of the faith today live with debilitating mental health. In fact, this individual truly “got it” and went on to have a renewed faith and inspire others in our groups.

Get more insights for free:

Download our free workbooks to explore “Identity” (Living Grace, Redefine Grace, and Thrive).

Download our free 3-day Identity in Mental Health devotional.

Joe Padilla | Grace Alliance