To every generation: you don’t have to carry your pain alone. You don’t have to endlessly search for healing within yourself. Real freedom begins when we lay it all at the feet of Christ because He sees us, knows us, and makes us whole.

As a pastor’s wife and a Marriage and Family Therapist, I’ve had the privilege of sitting across from people from every generation: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Each generation carries unique stories, pain, and questions about healing. While mental health awareness has made significant progress, I’ve noticed something concerning: though the conversation has shifted, many still carry a heavy load just in a different form.

Let me be clear: I wholeheartedly believe therapy works. It is a gift from God. God often uses skilled counselors and therapists to help us understand pain, break harmful patterns, and grow in wisdom.

However, we also need to be honest about some of the unhealthy patterns showing up in today’s ‘therapy culture’ and not with judgment, but with compassion, Scripture, and hope for a better way.

Here’s what I’ve observed about each generation, and the gospel hope that speaks to all.

Boomers: ‘I Was Taught to Keep It In’

Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) grew up in a time when therapy was taboo and emotions were something to manage quietly. Mental health was rarely discussed, especially in church. Many were taught to be strong, self-reliant, and resilient; admitting pain often felt like failure.

But God doesn’t call us to pretend we’re fine. The Psalms are full of raw, honest cries to God:

‘I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping…’ (Psalm 6:6).

The Gospel invites you to bring our whole self to God, not just the composed parts. If you’ve spent a lifetime ‘holding it all together’, maybe this is the season to start letting Him hold you.

Gen X: ‘I Learned to Handle It Alone’

Gen X (born 1965-1980) grew up during a time of rising divorce rates, changing family dynamics, and growing independence. Often called the ‘middle child’ generation, many Gen Xers were ‘latchkey kids’ who came home to empty houses, helped care for younger siblings, and learned to navigate their emotions with little guidance. While therapy became more accepted, it was still usually seen as a last resort.

While you’ve learned how to be resilient sometimes that very strength makes it difficult to slow down, reflect, or open up about your journey. You carry so much, yet feel as though asking for help shouldn’t be necessary. Scripture says:

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