In previous articles, I demonstrated that mental illness was not just a concrete transport of feelings and emotions, but an abstract idea of fractured emotions. If mental was concrete, we could not understand the abstract open interpretation defined by the worldview. Most secular psychologists define mental illness as it relates to unusual behavior, suggesting medical intervention and medication to deal with it. Christians must think of mental illness as spiritual as well as physical. Sometimes even as Christian’s medication is needed for stability, we should not let doctors overprescribe.
We need to ask Jesus to help heal us spiritually to cope with the emotion’s medication is only needed to add stability Jesus should be our anchor to care for the rest. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Spirituality, such as Christianity, can be helpful when trying to cope or manage with stressful mental health issues. The belief in Jesus Christ and His healing power can empower as the central teaching of forgiveness releases added pressure. If we do not adhere to Christianity’s teaching of forgiveness, we are left feeling guilty and needy. Psychologists show little interest in the effects of Christianity on mental illness, but it does offer much promise in the fight against mental illness. I struggle with ADHD, Panic Attack Disorder and LDS (Learning Disability Syndrome).
I sensed God wanted me to help those who struggle like me with other mental health issues. God’s purpose for allowing mental health issues could be to challenge us to grow through the pain, coming out stronger in the Lord. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:7 he has a “thorn in his flesh.” The thorn is never identified; nonetheless, Paul looks to the Lord to give him strength and comfort in enduring and overcoming anything the thorn throws at him. Likewise, our emotional and mental conflicts can serve as thorns on our side for those who struggle with mental illness. I believe in looking to Jesus Christ as a way to fight this pain and not allow mental illness to influence our lives.
Practical studies of many groups dealing with major life stressors such as natural disasters, illness, loss of loved ones, divorce and serious mental illness show that religion and spirituality are generally helpful to people in coping. This is mainly for people with the fewest resources facing the most intractable problems. However, there are many forms of religious coping, and some are more helpful than others. People can draw on many religious and spiritual resources tied to better adjustment in times of crisis.
These positive religious coping methods include spiritual support from God or a higher power, rituals to facilitate life transitions, spiritual forgiveness, support from a religious institution or clergy and reframing a stressful situation into a more extensive, more benevolent system of meaning.
“The God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23).
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