Silent Nights: Christ and Mental Health
Zanoah Plummer
Mental health is a topic that is stigmatized amongst many communities. Amongst Christian communities, this stigma can take shape in the form of refusing help.
Within the church, there is a crisis amongst the way in which mental health is handled. Those who are afflicted with mental health issues, or are simply within a bad headspace are often looked down upon for reasons that can worsen their mental health.
Those with depressive disorders are often put down for being “bad Christians” who “do not do enough” for the church. Some detractors may even state the reason someone with depression is suffering is because they are not praying enough, and they should pray more often to expel their depressive thoughts.
This is unambiguously incorrect. Depression can affect anyone regardless of faith and how committed they are to their religion. Priests, clergymen, nuns, and church-goers from all walks of life have all struggled with their mental health at some point. Mental health issues are not reflective of one’s devotion as a Christian.
While prayer and religion can be a source of comfort and help for some people, those who are in need of further assistance should not be dissuaded from seeking it. Religion and professional support for mental health services can exist side by side to pull someone out of a rut.
It is an unfortunate reality of those who are suffering from psychotic disorders to be accused of demonic possession. These accusations can be highly detrimental in more ways than one. Being accused of possession is hurtful. The last thing someone who is experiencing a lot mentally needs to hear is that they are “sinful” for the way in which their brain happens to be.
Too many Christians view mental health issues as a punishment for sins in a past or current life, in spite of scripture stating that all people were created in God’s image. It is a sin within itself to accuse mentally ill people of possession, harnessing an impure spirit, or other baseless accusations.
The most Christian thing to do when someone is struggling mentally would be to help thy neighbor by encouraging them to seek support services.
This inverse-relationship between faith and mental health does not need to exist. Therapy and counseling is an answer to the prayers asking for health and forgiveness. Therapy and a relationship with God can coexist. Faith-informed therapy is available. Prayer itself can be a source of comfort and help someone’s journey with mental health.
Mental health being spoken of in hush-tones amongst the church is doing more harm than good.
It is not a sin to suffer with mental health issues. It is not a punishment from God to be in a bad headspace. Mental illness is something that can affect anyone regardless of religion, class, race, etc. It is not a “spiritual affliction” that is born from life or faith difficulties. It is something that someone is born with or develops later in life due to a barrage of reasons.
The church must step up and address the issues amongst the way Christian treat their fellow believers who happen to struggle with their mental health. Instead of uplifting one-another they have taken to shaming and chastising each other over something that one has no control over.
From a religious standpoint, but also from a compassionate standpoint, it is important that we support those who are mentally ill. Christians can use their faith to influence their family within the faith to seek help. Instead of misusing the Bible to shame mentally ill members of the church into submission, use scripture to let them know that they are loved, and help is available. Support them through their journey and remind them they are not a bad Christian for seeking help through therapy and counseling.
A relationship with the church does not have to come at the expense of mental health. God loves all his children, including those who are mentally ill.
Sources from:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201%3A27&version=NIV
