I don’t have deep knowledge of nihilism, but from what I understand, it is a philosophical view basically stating that life lacks meaning and purpose. It seems
like this point of view was birthed out of the pain of the human experience. This perspective directly contradicts the core values of Christianity. Both perspectives
acknowledge that life can be hard, but Christianity distinguishes that although it is difficult, life has meaning, we all have a purpose, and we can overcome any
obstacle.

The way to protect yourself is to read and believe what the Bible says about this life. Yes, times will get hard, but take heart because Christ has overcome the world.
A few questions I would ask you are: What is happening in your life that is causing you to feel hopeless, and what is the disconnect between believing what God says
versus what you are experiencing?

A few other things you can do to protect yourself from nihilism include creating meaning in your life by pursuing things that interest you or doing things that are suggested in the Bible, like serving others. Establishing a strong community may help as well.

 

*American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).

This is a complicated answer because, as Christians, we believe that life itself is spiritual, so that would mean there is some type of spiritual dimension behind all
things. However, there may be multiple causes behind mental illness that aren’t necessarily demonic in nature. The Bible shows us that not all suffering is
demonic, sometimes it’s simply the result of living in a fallen world, biological factors, or life circumstances. I would suggest praying for wisdom to discern what
spiritual factors might be involved and remember that whatever the cause, God can heal you supernaturally, through the use of medical professionals and interventions,
or both.

This is a complicated answer because there are so many mysteries about God that
we do not know. But what we do know is that God causes all things to work for the
good of those who love Him and are called to His purpose. Whether God has
ordained these struggles, permitted them, or whether they result from living in a
fallen world, God loves us and is with us.

If this is something you are personally battling, I would suggest reading the Bible
and being reminded that we serve a perfect God, but we live in a fallen world and
are not exempt from walking through valleys. But we have been guaranteed the
victory. Also, pray without ceasing and ask God for wisdom and discernment.
Remember that no matter when someone faces mental health struggles, there is
help available, both spiritual and professional, and seeking community to walk
through life with is invaluable. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help, as God can
work through counselors, therapists, and medical professionals as part of His
provision for our healing and well-being.

Remember to remain calm. Provide support to the individual by listening to them,
validating their feelings versus dismissing them, and if appropriate, encourage
them to seek professional help. If the individual is verbalizing thoughts to harm
themselves or others it is important for them to seek emergency assistance
immediately.

*American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).

Here are some spiritual coping skills: prayer, read your Bible, practice gratitude,
speak to your Pastor, group leader, or a trusted church member about your area of
concern so they can pray and intercede for you, join a small group, engage in
worship, and serve others.

Here are some mental/emotional coping skills-journaling, begin a new hobby or
learn something new, establish healthy boundaries with yourself/and others,
implement healthier eating habits, exercise, practice deep breathing, confide in a
trusted friend/family member, join a support group, and decrease your time on
social media.

Sadness is a feeling usually triggered by an external circumstance.
Per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)*, major
depressive disorder is a mood disorder and defined as:
-Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2-
week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the
symptoms is either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure.
1. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either
subjective report (e.g., feels sad, empty, hopeless) or observation made by others
(e.g., appears tearful).
2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated by either subjective account or observation).
3. Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g.,a change of more
than 5% of body weight in a month) or decrease or increase in appetite nearly
every day.
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not
merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down).

6. Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be
delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick).
8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day
(either by subjective account or as observed by others).
9. Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation
without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing
suicide.
B. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social,
occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
C. The episode is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or to
another medical condition.

Helpful resources may include seeking a professional mental health therapist that
specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and/or Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The National Childhood Trauma
Stress Network (NCSTN) website has free resources for individuals with
childhood trauma. The implementation of self-care strategies, establishing and
managing healthy boundaries, and practicing self-compassion may also be helpful.