The Bible’s pages are filled with real-life accounts of men and women who experienced a wide range of emotions. As we read their experiences, we may find a Bible character whom we can relate to.

We all need to feel understood. But this is especially true when we struggle with our mental health. When we read the real-life experiences of Bible characters, we may identify with them and relate to their thoughts and feelings. As a result, we realize that we are not alone in our distress and we feel less isolated when dealing with anxiety and disturbing emotions.

• The Bible records many expressions of those who felt helpless and desperate. Have you ever felt, ‘I just can’t take it anymore’? Moses did, as did Elijah and David.​—Numbers 11:14; 1 Kings 19:4; Psalm 55:4.

• The Bible tells us of a woman named Hannah who felt “extremely bitter” because she could not have children and was being cruelly taunted about it by her rival wife.​—1 Samuel 1:6, 10.

• The Bible tells of a man named Job whom we may relate to. Although being a man of faith, he suffered from deep emotional distress and once said: “I loathe my life; I do not want to go on living.”​—Job 7:16.

By learning how these Bible characters successfully dealt with negative patterns of thinking, we too can find the strength we need to cope with our distresses.