Louie Giglio and Josh Howerton get real about battling anxiety — ‘I thought I was going to die’

Louie Giglio, pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, and Josh Howerton, BlazeTV host and pastor of Lakepointe Church, have recently opened up about their personal struggles with anxiety. Their candid conversation sheds light on the intense challenges they faced and highlights the role of faith and worship in their recovery.

Giglio experienced a severe anxiety episode that escalated into what he describes as a nervous breakdown, marked by alarming physical symptoms such as numbness and convulsions. This episode left him unable to function for several months, unable to preach or attend work, and fearing he was losing his mind. This period was transformative, altering Giglio’s understanding of anxiety from a distant concept to a personal battle.

Howerton, who once dismissed anxiety attacks as a generational expression for a bad day, found his views drastically changed during a difficult season when anxiety threatened to overwhelm him. His conversations with Giglio reveal a shared empathy and understanding that only comes from lived experience.

The two pastors discussed how Giglio’s recovery was rooted in an unwavering faith and a practice of speaking truth to oneself against anxious thoughts. Despite the ongoing uncertainty about full healing, Giglio emphasized praising God for His power to heal rather than focusing solely on the absence of symptoms. This spiritual discipline played a crucial role in lifting him from the depths of his anxiety.

A significant turning point for Giglio was the spontaneous emergence of a song that brought a ray of light during his darkest nights. This song later became "I Lift My Hands," a Grammy-nominated track recorded by Christian artist Chris Tomlin. The song's creation during Giglio’s struggle illustrates the way personal suffering can fuel artistic expression and ministry.

Giglio’s touring with Tomlin involved sharing his story openly with audiences, challenging assumptions about faith leaders and mental health. His transparency resonated strongly with fans, revealing a widespread need for honest conversations about depression and anxiety within the Christian community.

The dialogue between Giglio and Howerton on the show "Live Free" provided an important platform for discussing mental health openly. Their stories contribute to destigmatizing anxiety and depression among younger generations and within faith contexts.

Giglio’s book, "Putting an X Through Anxiety," offers both a memoir and practical spiritual tools designed to help readers identify anxiety’s roots and find peace through faith. This work aligns with the themes discussed in their broadcast conversation, underlining the pastors’ ongoing commitment to mental health advocacy.

The episode of "Live Free with Josh Howerton" is available on several platforms, extending the reach of these testimonies to a broader audience. The discussion serves as a reminder of the complexities of anxiety and the varied paths toward healing.

Giglio’s experience demonstrates a profound connection between mental health struggles and creative output in the contemporary Christian music scene. The creation and success of "I Lift My Hands" highlight how personal trials can influence and inspire worship music with lasting impact.

This candid discourse also indicates a shifting dynamic within Christian communities, where leaders increasingly address mental health issues without shame or silence. Such openness may encourage fans and congregants to seek help and find solace in shared experiences.

While the full extent of recovery for both Giglio and Howerton remains unconfirmed, their testimonies provide a valuable framework for understanding anxiety not as a moral failing but as a complex condition requiring compassion and resilience. Their approach integrates medical, psychological, and spiritual elements, reflecting a holistic view of healing.

Their collaborative discussion marks a notable moment in faith-based dialogue about mental health, balancing vulnerability with hope. This blend of authenticity and encouragement may influence future pastoral care and the content of faith-centered media and music.

Josh Howerton and Louie Giglio continue to leverage their platforms to foster conversation about anxiety, offering spiritual guidance alongside candid personal narratives. Their efforts contribute to a broader conversation around mental health in religious contexts, emphasizing grace, endurance, and the power of worship.