I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does the Bible Say?

Ask the Christian Counselor

by Edward T. Welch

A psychiatric diagnosis can be heavy burden—for you or someone you love. These struggles can be life-dominating. But we know this: God is not silent when his people struggle. What does God say? Experienced counselor and best-selling author, Edward T. Welch helps you answer that crucial question by exploring how God’s Word speaks in ways that can help you find wisdom, rest, and hope in Jesus.

What do you do when you recognize yourself or someone you love in descriptions like “OCD,” “bipolar disorder,” “borderline personality disorder”? The DSM can give you a detailed description, but what next? We listen to God and to his people.

I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis will guide readers in listening to God who has compassion for those who are struggling in these painful ways. Listening to God in the Bible reshapes psychological descriptions and functions as a corrective lens that opens our eyes. As you listen to Scripture and God’s people, you will understand the struggles of those with a psychiatric diagnosis better and will be able to receive and offer words of help and hope. Welch includes case studies on panic disorder, PTSD, depression, and narcissism to aid in practical application to your situation.

I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis is part of the Ask the Christian Counselor series. This series walks readers through their deepest and most profound questions. Each question is unpacked by an experienced counselor that gives readers the tools to understand their struggle and how the gospel brings hope and healing to the problem they are facing.

Genres: Counselling, Nonfiction, Theology, Mental Health

96 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2022

About the author

Edward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He has counseled for thirty years and is the best-selling author of many books including When People Are Big and God Is Small; Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave; Blame It on the Brain?; Depression: A Stubborn Darkness; Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addiction; Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest; and When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety. He and his wife Sheri have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

Reviews

[Wagner Floriani · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd go around. Insightful, practical, compassionate. Wonderful tool to help Christ-followers stay conversant and engaged amidst the temptation for perplexity when offering care in complex cases.

[Anete Ābola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. But just the beginning. Usually you need to go deeper in any of subjects mentioned here.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really insightful. Welch brings the Bible to bear on a handful of the most common troubles of man like narcissism, depression, and panic attacks.

[Danielle Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Ed Welch and am so thankful for his work in Blame It On the Brain that explains how the body and soul affect each other but the soul or inner man is what drives the moral direction of our lives. In this book, he sadly validates a medical model for understanding soul problems by legitimizing psychological labels. I hold to the position that it is best to avoid these because it often weakens a person's sense of responsibility and indirectly undercuts hope. There were definitely a couple nuggets for speaking with a psychologized counselee but I wouldn't recommend this book to a counselee.

[Ashley Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨I Have A Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does The Bible Say?✨⁣
⁣
This book came out yesterday. I love reading books on counseling. In a world that often divides things into either being scientific or spiritual, this is a question some people might like to ask a Christian counselor. In this book, it feels like Edward T. Welch pulls up a chair beside us and begins to answer with kindness and compassion. ⁣
⁣
What does Welch mean by psychiatric diagnosis? In this book, Welch covers anxiety and panic disorders, trauma, depression, and narcissism.  ⁣
⁣
For some, a diagnosis may turn their world upside down and redefine how they once saw themselves. Welch empathizes. He answers many of our common questions, and more importantly he points the reader to Jesus, the one who can bring peace and hope. ⁣
⁣
I appreciate the value Welch puts on a diagnosis. He sees how a diagnosis can identify complex struggles. And I appreciate that he makes room for effective medical treatment where it is necessary. But in everything he writes, his highest priority is to show the reader Christ. He offers depth and knowledge of the Scripture. His counsel is helpful. My biggest complaint with this book was that I just wanted more. I wanted him to keep talking. That said, I also did appreciate that he kept the book short, so the people won’t be overwhelmed.  ⁣
⁣
So whether you yourself struggle, have family members who do, or are seeking to minister to the friends around you, this book is a short and helpful resource.⁣
⁣
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jordan Winsby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic little book.

Welch doesn't utter any empty promises about all our problems going away. Rather, he draws our attention to the promises of God Himself, which are the furthest thing from empty.

This book is just a starting point before going deeper into the topics of anxiety, trauma, depression, and narcissism. At the back there are some excellent recommendations of books that explore these issues further.

[Lauren DuPrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Have A Psychiatric Diagnosis by Ed Welch is one of the books in the Ask the Christian Counselor series by New Growth Press. Like the other books in the series, this one is just under 100 pages making it a quick and accessible read. This may seem like an unimportant feature but it is worth noting. There are many confusing messages when it comes to the intersection of faith and science, and Christians need to be aware of and equipped with good resources to help them navigate the confusion.

I Have A Psychiatric Diagnosis is one such resource. It gives readers a broad overview of a few common psychiatric diagnoses including trauma, anxiety, depression, and narcissism. Welch’s perspective is valuable because he’s not only a Christian who counsels biblically, he holds degrees in psychology. As Welch notes in the book, these fields have their places and serve their purposes. While they can’t provide a full solution to human problems, they can provide pieces of the puzzle of suffering.

Many of us, myself included, can often pick up books like I Have A Psychiatric Diagnosis looking for answers to the painful realities of life in a fallen world. One aspect of the book I greatly appreciate is that rather than offering trite answers, it leaves room for nuance and asks many compassionate questions. This is a lovely reflection of humility and a helpful way to practice Proverbs 20:5, “The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.”

In the chapter on depression, Welch acknowledged that Christians have much to learn in how they offer counsel and care. I initially picked up this book curious to see how it might speak to women suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). While it is more of a general reference guide for specific diagnoses and doesn’t mention PPD, I still found Welch’s words very encouraging and healing.

Another aspect of I Have A Psychiatric Diagnosis that I am grateful for is Welch’s approach to medication. Christians can be quick to assume that medication has no place in the life of a faithful believer, but Welch acknowledges that as embodied souls in a broken world, our bodies and minds can often fall short of functioning in healthy ways, and medicine can be one tool to help a suffering saint. It seems that many Christians fear medication because the world often views it as the savior so I’m grateful to Welch for acknowledging its usefulness.

Regarding medication, he helpfully wrote, “Medication will not address the deeper spiritual matters that are answered by God’s presence and your trust in him, but it can quiet a body that feels under attack,” (pg. 31-32). Regarding the use of medication and psychological therapy for healing from PTSD he said, “All these can lessen distressing symptoms but they are not designed to reach into the soul.”

Christians are free in Christ to use or not use medication and the way God looks at them will not change because of Jesus. The decision to use medication is one that requires much wisdom. Welch’s words were a good reminder that medicine is often a mercy and medicine in and of itself isn’t evil—any abuse or misuse of it is a result of sin and ultimately a matter of the heart.

There is and will likely remain a debate about pursuing helps for mental health not mentioned in the Bible (like therapy and medication) and this debate is often divisive. I Have A Psychiatric Diagnosis lends itself to conversing about tough topics in a way that is biblical, unifying, Spirit filled, and hope giving. If you are looking for an introduction on how to approach these issues biblically to counsel others or even to counsel your own heart, I highly recommend I Have A Psychiatric Diagnosis and I eagerly anticipate reading more by Welch.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward T. Welch’s I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does The Bible Say? is an informative book that introduces the reader to some of the common Psychiatric Diagnoses that people deal with and look at it from a Biblical perspective. I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does The Bible Say? is part of the Ask the Christian Counselor series from New Growth Press. It is a short book in the series (less than a 100 pages), but its content is both succinct and powerful. Mr. Welch brings his Biblical knowledge and counseling expertise to discuss topics such as Anxiety, Depression, and Narcissism. Taking such topics, Welch explains the topic and includes a Biblical perspective of Scripture to show compassion to those that deal with a Psychiatric Diagnosis.

I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does The Bible Say? is the fourth book I have read in the Ask the Christian Counselor series from New Growth Press. Sometimes a title like I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does The Bible Say? can seem like it’s a daunting read, but, to me, it isn’t. Edward T. Welch writes I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis in such a way that it is informative and encouraging because of the way the Scriptures are placed throughout the book to match up with what is being discussed. Mr. Welch packs a lot of useful information in a compassionate way in this succinct volume. I appreciate the range of Psychiatric Diagnoses that are discussed and the compassionate manner in which they are written. I feel that because of the way the book is written, the reader does not feel guilty if they have a Psychiatric Diagnosis or that it is the not the Author’s intent for the reader to feel guilty, but to feel encouraged that Jesus is with them through the diagnosis and loves them unconditionally. There are questions at the end of each chapter to help supplement what has just been read. I believe I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does The Bible Say? is a fantastic resource for those in Ministry and Christian Counselors to have on hand as well as those who have a Psychiatric Diagnosis and their loved ones. This is definitely a book to read again! I highly recommend I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does The Bible Say? from New Growth Press!

I would like to thank New Growth Press for giving me a copy of I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does The Bible Say? to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.

[Lynette]

This is such a dense, but small book! I highly recommend this for discipleship, and just for anyone who wants to learn a bit more about anxiety, trauma, depression and narcissism without reading a full book. I know it can be quite intimidating for some, when I recommend Ed Welch's book Depression: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness. Ed's chapter on depression in this smaller book helps bring you into the world of depression, and understand better the medical and spiritual help that can be offered to a struggler. I love that so many of Ed's paragraphs are so dense. I could just work through one paragraph with a friend, and it would be a very fruitful time.

If I'm honest, I wept through most of the book, as I felt a bit like Ed was peering into my soul, and personally knew my experiences. I'm thankful that God has raised up men like Ed Welch to help us understand one another with deep compassion and Biblical wisdom. Ed gave me good reminders for how to process my own experiences of anxiety, trauma and depression.

Ed's chapter on Narcissism was incredible! He really helps to humanize those with narcissitic tendencies. He also helpfully explained a little bit about borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder (sociopath/psychopath). He explains how narcissism overlaps with these other two disorder, but also distinguishes them from one another. This was fascinating for me, and very helpful as I seek to understand a variety of people in my life. This chapter equipped me to love better and be more patient with those who have difficult issues, such as narcissism. I would actually love it if Ed would write a whole big book on this topic!

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book touches on 4 problems: Anxiety, Trauma, Depression and Narcissism - and in particular when there is a Psychiatric diagnosis of such. While this book is aimed at Christian Counsellors, it would also be of value to those Christians who have a family member or friend with one of these conditions. It is easy to read, and is not overly technical.

Given that it tackles big topics so briefly, I did find myself wanting more. I think for a small intro book that the coverage of the “God side” of the book was done quite well, but would’ve appreciated a bit more coverage of how Psychology (and Psychiatry) currently view these conditions - especially if the Author continued at the level already applied.

I thought the chapter on Depression to be the best. I found the chapters on Anxiety and Trauma to each be a bit disconnected. The final chapter on Narcissism was quite good, especially in the advice given.

I often criticise short books for their lack of “Further Reading” - but this book does include quite a handy resource - and this (for me) keeps it at 4 stars rather than the 3 stars I had considered.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This very short book tries to address some very big topics, and overall does a pretty solid job. Welch is trying to bridge the divide between the reality of psychiatric diagnoses and what that means spiritually, so that we can understand what God says, and how the bible speaks in ways that help find wisdom, rest, and hope in Jesus. He carefully balances the wisdom of learning from the world, medicine and health, with what we find in God’s word.

The approach is to listen to God and get help from his people, as well as listen and learn from those with experience. Four areas are explored in detail: anxiety & panic disorders, trauma, depression & narcissism. The first three were quite helpful, the chapter on narcissism was more confusing for it was aimed at the person interacting with the narcissist, not the narcissist themselves. It was odd that only these were included, seeing other disorders were mentioned in the introduction.

You can hear Welch’s care & compassion for people in his writing, but I felt this book fell a little short on what it was trying to offer.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, insightful book that will provide much fodder for discussion and can be a helpful resource for counselors. Welch does a good job of addressing Anxiety and Panic Disorders; Trauma; Depression; and Narcissism, and although I believe there are some questions yet to be answered, and perhaps some elements related to medicinal usage that I disagree with, his writing does provide a launching point for more study and more discussion. I appreciate Welch's writing skill in addressing these issues, as his approch is gentle and is done in such a way as to invite one to consider his point of view.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is 88 pages, but starting on page 86 are end notes and then other resources.

This is a wonderful little book that touches on 4 common problems affecting people in the world, and how God and our relationship with Him is where we need to go to find relief.

Ed Welch makes no disparaging commentaries about medication or psychology or psychiatry, but simply brings to the reader's attention how necessary it is to include Christ in our healing work because our body is of a spiritual existence that will last forever.

[Katelyn Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I have read on the topic of mental illness diagnoses. It really helped me come to terms with my own diagnoses and I hope as I recommend it to future counselees, this book helps them see what God is teaching them through their diagnosis and realize it is not their label. With Scripture as the guide, as you go through this book you will find what God has to say about mental illness.

[Noah Montgomery · Rating 3 out of 5]

A biblical take on your diagnoses

The last two chapters were the best. You may notice Welch brings in more discussion of the DSM and therapies in general toward the end of the book. His biblical knowledge is fully on display and it’s quite vast. He mines Scripture for truths that hurting people or their friends/family need. He can be too dismissive of therapies that can help with mood anxiety. His chapter on trauma was pretty bad. His chapter on narcissism what very helpful.

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edward Welch is a great author and many of his books are very helpful but I was rather disappointed with this book. He embraces many of the presuppositions of modern psychology, leaves room for medicating emotions, and tacitly embraces the modern concept of "toxic trauma." When he addresses topics biblically, in this book, it is outstanding. His section on Anxiety, for example, is helpful and comforting.

In short, biblical counselors should read this book, but read with caution.

[Junior · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book was helpful with thinking through Psychiatric diagnosis. It's not comprehensive but wasn't meant to be. What Welch does is to help you think through the concept of PD from a biblical perspective. While there may be questions that still linger it's a good starting point. I hope more works like these will get more comprehensive in the future. The church needs it.

[Jez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, balanced view of the tension between medical labeling and actual impact. Ultimately it reminds that no diagnosis or label is an excuse for sinful behavior so it is important to balance understanding the whys with using them as an excuse.

[Dana]

This book is written as if you’re in Ed Welch’s living room & he’s counselling you. Lots of good stuff, written in his unique & conversational way. I found the chapters on depression & narcissism especially helpful.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would put this more at a 4.5. Lots of wisdom packed into a small book. A few points of difference, but overall something I think I could hand to someone with confidence.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful whether you are walking beside a loved one or learning to navigate mental health challenges personally. I found the gospel application to be very rich.

[Faith Morante · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very helpful book for a counselor and someone who was diagnosed. There are so many takeaways, and useful tips on what to say or do on specific illnesses.

[Dan Mingo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some good insight and info, overall I think it didn’t dig into each issue enough. But, it did give evidence for his stance on things.

[Charity Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve ever read for Christian’s when it comes to mental illness. He says medication is often necessary but here is the biblical side as well.

[Georgia Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many questions answered that I didn’t even know I had.

[Michael Abraham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good conversation starter for someone who’s been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, trauma, or narcissism.