THE CHRISTIAN VIEW ON MENTAL HEALTH: IS IT FLAWED?

According to the Free Dictionary (https://www.thefreedictionary.com/psychology), Psychology is the science that deals with mental processes and behavior. It is also the scientific study of all forms of human and animal behavior; sometimes concerned with the methods through which behavior can be modified.

It has been my experience that the “faith” community does not readily recognize the area of psychology as a tool that will work well with its’ teachings. In fact, many believe that these two areas don’t and shouldn’t mix.

Did you know that mental health and mental illness are both connected to psychology?

Merriam Webster defines mental health as the condition of being sound mentally and emotionally that is characterized by the absence of mental illness and by adequate adjustment especially as reflected in feeling comfortable about oneself, positive feelings about others, and the ability to meet the demands of daily life. As a Christian, you’ve probably heard the following when dealing with mental illness, “They must have the devil in them,” or “Just pray about it and it will go away.” I’m sure you’ve also heard, “What does the bible say about how you’re feeling?”

You may have even heard, “You don’t need a therapist or counseling, just pray,” or “The bible tells us that we aren’t supposed to go to the world for counsel or advice.” In fact, if you admitted that you had a mental issue, sometimes the faith community would turn it around and say you’re simply dealing with a spiritual issue. Consequently, any interventions sought that are not “faith based”, are frowned upon.

Unfortunately, many Christians believe that if you’re struggling mentally then that means that your faith isn’t strong enough. This belief is further from the truth. You’re not to blame for your mental instability, and you are not failing as a Christian. Instead of being judged, you just want help.....

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am a Christian and a member of the faith community. I believe in the power of prayer and reading my bible as a means of establishing, increasing and maintaining my faith in God; but I also believe that God sanctions additional methods such as therapy, and counseling that can be instrumental

in helping us to achieve mental stability. Yes we should pray (that is the key),

but when you make someone feel guilty for using other methods in addition to

prayer, that’s when you lose me. I don’t agree with those tactics.

Now let’s discuss how Christians should recognize mental illness....

Are you a Christian? As a Christian, would you know if you or someone else is suffering from mental illness? Is this a subject that you would rather not deal with as a Christian? Can you recognize mental illness?

From one Christian to another, I would like to equip you with knowledge on mental illness and how to recognize it, whether you or someone else suffers from it.

I firmly believe that the quickest way to get help is to admit that you need it. A person needs to recognize that something is wrong.

Please take a moment to answer the following questions:

 Have your eating or sleeping habits changed?

 How are your “anger” levels? Are they controlling you?

 Have your behavior levels changed or become unusual?

 Are you having difficulty handling responsibilities?

 Is it a chore to cope with life’s issues and changes?

 Are you a social recluse?

 Are you dealing with alcohol or drug abuse?

 Are your mood swings on a pendulum?

 Do you have a hard time distinguishing between “reality” and “delusion”?

 Do you have physical symptoms that aren’t caused by or related to a physical illness?

 Could you be suffering from Anosognosia? (inability to see your illness)

 Do you have thoughts of suicide?

How did you do? Were you surprised by your own responses?

Let us take a deeper look into each of those questions.

A CHANGE IN EATING/SLEEPING HABITS

If you are eating or sleeping too much (or too little) and it is combined with excessive weight loss or gain, then you need to make an appointment to see your doctor. Now take me for instance, I’m a “foodie”. I love to eat and the older I get, I love to sleep/rest!

If my appetite ever changes to the point that I don’t want to eat and I subsequently begin losing weight, that’s an automatic red flag to me that something is wrong.

This could be you too. Unless you are dealing with a diagnosed physical illness where these symptoms are common, you could be suffering from depression. Please keep in mind that if these symptoms (irregular eating and sleeping) last for an extended period of time, then you need to get checked before it starts affecting other areas of your life such as your physical and or emotional states.

Remember, a change in your eating and sleeping habits can also be an indication of a lack of self-control.

Proverbs 25:28 (NLT) A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.

ANGER LEVELS

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” Ephesians 4:26

This scripture lets us know that we are allowed to be angry BUT what you do with that anger is key. In this life, you may get upset and angry, but if it is controlling you then you need to seek help.

Throughout life’s experiences, I’ve learned to handle those situations that would normally cause me to be angry in a certain way. If I’m upset about something or someone, then I have to step back and regroup before responding. For me, quick responses never help and they don’t come out right. So if I find myself

not adhering to that principle and allow outbursts of anger to be displayed on a regular basis, then that could be a sign that my mental state is being compromised.

Are the smallest of things getting under your skin? Did you just fly off the handle when you would have normally brushed it off? Those who suffer from a bipolar disorder will typically exemplify frequent outbursts of anger. This expression is not to be overlooked and needs to be examined.

UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR LEVELS

Now you have shown up late AGAIN at work, when you used to be there before your shift began. Maybe you were expected to attend that monthly family function but for the past few months, you haven’t even shown up. Your behavior has changed and you don’t even know why. This extended unusual behavior could be a sign of an undetected or undiagnosed mental illness. Make an appointment with your doctor to find out.

Don’t allow the cares of this life overtake you and make you respond the way the world responds to situations.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

DIFFICULTY IN HANDLING RESPONSIBILITIES

If you have lost track of time, if you have overlooked your duties, or if you are losing your focus or drive (and if it’s happening on a regular basis), a bigger problem may be developing. Please do not dismiss this behavior as normal. Again, if it is prolonged behavior, acknowledge it and seek help for it.

Remember that we all have personal responsibilities to carry out.

Galatians 6:5. - For every man shall bear his own burden.

DIFFICULTY IN COPING WITH LIFE’S CHANGES

Death, marriage, divorce, job loss, job or career change, and moving into a new place or environment are examples of life’s many changes. Each change has a level of disturbance attached to it. If one is suffering from mental illness, such as schizophrenia, then it will be more difficult for them to cope with these changes. But if you or someone you know is being challenged by adapting to changes such as these, it wouldn’t hurt to get evaluated.

Life is full of changes and we all should be aware that a change can happen in an instant regardless of what, when, where, why and when. The key is to not worry, but trust the plan that God has in place to help you.

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

SOCIAL RECLUSE

As outgoing as I am, there are times, (many times in fact), that I just want to be alone. There’s nothing wrong with that, but if I don’t want to be bothered with people at all, start cutting off people who want to be in my company, or make a habit of cancelling plans to go out with others, then it could be a sign that I have become reclusive. This is a form of mental illness.

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. Proverbs 18:1

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

I personally don’t drink alcohol or use drugs and I don’t advocate it; but the reality is that many will turn to alcohol and drugs because of a mental disorder. Sometimes these vices are used to mask obvious problems. Unfortunately, once the high wears off the problem is still there and may even be magnified at that point. Get help so you can stop the abuse.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proverbs 20:1

MOOD SWINGS SWINGING

Be careful so as to not allow your mood swings to define you as being double-minded.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8)

Emotions are a result of one’s mood, circumstance or relationship with others. But when these emotions go from an extreme high to a deep depression over a short period of time (and frequently), this is not a sign of being in a normal mental state of mind.

DELUSIONAL THINKING

Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, II Thessalonians 2:11

Delusional thinking is a characteristic that occurs in those who suffer from manic depression and other forms of mental illness. Not understanding reality or making up your own reality until it becomes your truth is a dangerous state. It means that you cannot cope with what is happening to or around you, so therefore, you make things up to help you cope.

PHYSICAL OR MENTAL SYMPTOMS

Can mental health issues have physical symptoms? The answer is YES. When people experience ailments or pains that are not associated with a known or diagnosed physical illness, it could be a mental disorder. Please see your doctor for an evaluation and don’t suffer silently.

Mark 2:17 “On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

ANOSOGNOSIA

This term is defined as “they don’t know what they don’t know” and it is often used to describe people with dementia. Individuals aren’t aware that they may need physical help to carry out a task. And sometimes, they may tell you that you don’t know what you are talking about when in reality, they don’t know what they are talking about themselves. This is a serious situation to deal with but patience is the key to get them

the help they need to function.

But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD, 'because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.’ Jeremiah 30:17

SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

A consistent thought that this world, and your family and friends would be better off without you is a critical sign of mental illness. If this is the case for you or someone you know, PLEASE seek help immediately!

Don’t allow the enemy to make you think no one cares for you.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. St. John 10:10

While I have directed you to seek professional help, please don’t forget to pray and seek God. Just as we see a medical doctor for our physical health, we should seek professional, Christian counseling for assistance with our mental health.

I’ve shared just a few indications that you or someone you know may be suffering from mental illness. As Christians, we’ve often been conditioned to think that we must only pray about our symptoms and they will just go away. Sometimes we don’t know how to deal with the obvious (the elephant in the room) and we tend to look away, thinking that it will rectify itself somehow. The truth of the matter is that either we or our loved ones are suffering from some form of mental illness. Mental illness is real and should not be

disregarded. The stigma of it must be erased and the narrative of dealing with it must be changed IF we plan to live a healthy and productive life.

Please enjoy this complimentary download.

THE CHRISTIAN VIEW ON MENTAL ILLNESS IS IT FLAWED.pdf

Download PDF • 602KB