It’s Past Time the Church Started Recognizing Mental Illness as…

Last updated on: August 30, 2018 at 11:18 am by Dr. Laurel Shaler

It’s Past Time the Church Started Recognizing Mental Illness as… 2018-08-30T11:18:45-04:00 Dr. Laurel Shaler

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Church, it’s past time we started recognizing mental illness as illness. Just like any other illness. Honestly, it gets weary speaking with Christian leaders who question whether or not seeking mental health treatment is appropriate for Christ followers. Yet, I will continue to do so because it is critically important. And my response is quite simple:

Do you tell those with diabetes to stop taking insulin?

Do you tell cancer patients not to pursue surgery?

Do you tell someone with a broken bone not to get a cast?

The negative reaction to mental health treatment is illogical. One of the primary arguments is that many theories of psychotherapy are rooted in secularism. There is a fear that Believers will start relying on someone or something other than Christ. That is a valid concern; however, 1) some of those theories and interventions are actually useful, and 2) you can accommodate almost any theory for the Christian faith.

A minister recently told me that perhaps those with mental illness (such as depression) should struggle through and, prayerfully, they will come out of. If they don’t, it wasn’t in God’s will. Maybe they will naturally come out of the depressive state. Or they may come out of it by committing suicide, like this pastor. Do we really want to take that risk when God has graciously provided effective interventions? And, again, let’s compare this to physical illness. We don’t tell someone with cancer that if they pray more, go to church more, and read the Bible more, they will be healed. We don’t tell them there is sin in their life that resulted in their cancer. We don’t tell them to not pursue treatment, and just trust God with the outcome. So, why do we do this with mental illness?

How about we encourage hurting people to turn to the Lord, put their trust in Him, and follow through with His leading to pursue treatment

I want to be very clear – there is a difference between mental illness and the occasional blues. Everyone has a bad day from time to time. Everyone worries on occasion or feels down in the dumps sometimes. I am not saying that folks need to jump on the benzo train to help them cope with everyday life. Life is tough, and many of us do need to rely on the Lord more for our strength. But actual mental illness is serious – depression, anxiety, panic attacks, posttraumatic stress disorder, and psychotic disorders are a few that come to mind.

There is also a difference between mental illness and sin triggering negative symptoms. For example, I had a client who suffered from panic attacks. When things got boiled down, the issue was that this individual was having an affair and was living life in secrecy and shame. The panic was not related to a chemical imbalance in the brain, but was the direct result of harmful behavior. You won’t find me trying to help anyone feel better about living in sin. Other times, we face a very challenging life circumstance that we allow to consume us. We wallow in it rather than face the reality and work towards walking in faith and freedom. Even in those circumstances, a Christian counselor can be extremely effective

But when I talk about mental illness, I am referring to ongoing struggles that are not resolved with time, self-care, support, or even faith. Because faithful Christ followers can suffer from mental illness, just like they can be stricken with cancer or diabetes.

With regards to treatment, there are numerous options available. Sometimes biblical counseling is sufficient. Other times, a referral to a licensed mental health professional is warranted. (Hey biblical and pastoral counselors? Do you know where your knowledge, skills, and abilities end and when you should refer? If not, let’s chat.)

And, of course, there is medication – the most controversial treatment of all. While I do believe that medications are over-prescribed across the board (not just for mental illness), I have also seen medications save lives and significantly return quality of life. They are not designed to alter personalities or make folks hyper or even happy. Instead, they help balance out the brain chemicals to help return the individual to being stable. In many ways, it’s just like insulin for the one with diabetes.

Because I support the use of medications in some instances, there are some pastors that will not refer their church members to see me for Christian counseling. Some don’t like that I offer interventions beyond praying and reading the Bible. Never the less, I press on – praying to help educate and reduce the stigma of mental health treatment so that people know they are not alone and that help is available. Even for Christians. Even by Christians.

Church, will you join me?

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