Thank you so much for addressing this topic. May the shame and stigmatization of mental illness be called out for what it is so more can and will get needed available help. May we have more compassion for our common human condition. Mental illness affects all of us on one level or another.
I have no idea who this poser MacArthur is, and frankly, never will. As a psychiatric nurse, who has worked with the most severely mentally ill folks, in my state's only State Hospital, for decades (and still do), I find his opinion extremely ignorant, dismissive, and harmful. Perhaps if he's diagnosed with cancer someday, he can pray it away (not to say miraculous healing couldn't take place, but if I'm honest, I wouldn't be 100% overjoyed if it did in this case. But, I'm just making a point.). Do I think that we have broken people creating and raising even more broken people, ill-equipped to cope with life? Yes. Do I think that medication is too often the first (or only) option given to folks who might benefit from other approaches? Yes. And as for drug use.......I truly believe that the reality of living life for many is so terrible and difficult, that they just want to escape the reality (but don't want to actually die), and drugs are the easiest way to do so. However, if that man could see the wonderful people that emerge from their severe mental illness, when properly and successfully medicated, I hope he'd be a little less sure of his malignant stance. The Lord's return is the only hope for this broken, painful, world, but in the meantime, we should be trying to make being here easier for others, not adding to the difficulty and pain. I'm going to stop now, because his stance makes me very, very, angry.
shawn, i appreciate this write up. i have benefited from therapy over the last 5 years and will always be supportive of those seeking help for their mental health.
There are far too many self righteous individuals speaking non-truths which are condemning to those who need mental health intervention, causing them feel to spiritually incompetent and unworthy. This is a pathetic way for so-called Christians to treat those who need and desire help. May we each do our part to help guide appropriately.those who need help.
So we'll said Shawn. You nailed it. Thank you for addressing this so succinctly.
I spent a large part of my career working in and for 2 state mental health institutions, 1 private and 2 general hospitals. I personally had to address my own mental health issues late in my career, brought on by burn out. I am so grateful for the fine mental health staff, counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists I've worked with and who ultimately intervened in my own crisis.
These ignorant and uninformed attitudes by such influential leaders are appallingly irresponsible. It reminds me of the mental health 'stigma' issues that were rampant in the secular and religious community in my early years in the field. I was hoping we were well beyond that. It's maddening and very sad!
The church of all institutions/communities should be the most compassionate and 'available' for this devestating major health crisis we face in our current day!
Let's be part of the solution not adding to the problem at hand.
Well said, Shawn! Thank you. As one with several family members who suffer from varying types of mental illness, I appreciate your compassion! God bless you.
I believe Jesus’ approach with people was way more practical than spiritualizing matters under the carpet. People seem to think they have done their duty if they do that. But it’s not enough for most needs let alone real mental illness.
Recently someone told me that one of their family members described the start of their mental illness as if one day, a switch in their brain was flipped.
And a good friend of mine from years ago is suffering terribly from deep depression. She was the LEAST likely for this to happen to, but it did.
Both of these people come from church backgrounds so how are religious platitudes going to help them? Some arrogant people seem to forget that God often uses human agents to help His children in need, in the medical world as well all other spheres of life.
Thank you to those of you who have worked in such a difficult field.
Those who have endured a condition of mental illness or have witnessed the struggles of a family member or friend, know too well that its not 'all in their head' and the 'just get over it' approach is callous in the extreme.
Bi-polar disorder has affected several generations of my husband's maternal line to varying degrees and my maternal heritage is of anxiety disorders. What a combination of potential difficulties to unwittingly pass to yet another generation!
For some individuals the genetic package is manageable with understanding and lifestyle choices. For others the conditions are nearly over-whelming, affecting relationships and the ability to work.
Prayer, yes--for the courage to seek help, to be guided toward the patterns [and perhaps the medications] that promote emotional and spiritual balance. Prayer for those of us who deal not only with our own mental fragility but need ongoing compassion for those we love who can't seem to find or maintain the best ways to cope.
Thank you so much for addressing this topic. May the shame and stigmatization of mental illness be called out for what it is so more can and will get needed available help. May we have more compassion for our common human condition. Mental illness affects all of us on one level or another.
Thank you so much, Paula! Let's keep banging this drum!
I have no idea who this poser MacArthur is, and frankly, never will. As a psychiatric nurse, who has worked with the most severely mentally ill folks, in my state's only State Hospital, for decades (and still do), I find his opinion extremely ignorant, dismissive, and harmful. Perhaps if he's diagnosed with cancer someday, he can pray it away (not to say miraculous healing couldn't take place, but if I'm honest, I wouldn't be 100% overjoyed if it did in this case. But, I'm just making a point.). Do I think that we have broken people creating and raising even more broken people, ill-equipped to cope with life? Yes. Do I think that medication is too often the first (or only) option given to folks who might benefit from other approaches? Yes. And as for drug use.......I truly believe that the reality of living life for many is so terrible and difficult, that they just want to escape the reality (but don't want to actually die), and drugs are the easiest way to do so. However, if that man could see the wonderful people that emerge from their severe mental illness, when properly and successfully medicated, I hope he'd be a little less sure of his malignant stance. The Lord's return is the only hope for this broken, painful, world, but in the meantime, we should be trying to make being here easier for others, not adding to the difficulty and pain. I'm going to stop now, because his stance makes me very, very, angry.
Thank you for sharing your very heartfelt and passionate reflections, Anne. As I shared in the piece, his perspective makes me angry!
shawn, i appreciate this write up. i have benefited from therapy over the last 5 years and will always be supportive of those seeking help for their mental health.
Thank you, Manny! I'm a huge fan and advocate of therapy as well! I'm so glad you've found it to be beneficial - as I have.
There are far too many self righteous individuals speaking non-truths which are condemning to those who need mental health intervention, causing them feel to spiritually incompetent and unworthy. This is a pathetic way for so-called Christians to treat those who need and desire help. May we each do our part to help guide appropriately.those who need help.
Thank you, Shawn for your insight on this.topic.
Thank you, Carol! As you said, his perspective is very "pathetic" and harmful.
So we'll said Shawn. You nailed it. Thank you for addressing this so succinctly.
I spent a large part of my career working in and for 2 state mental health institutions, 1 private and 2 general hospitals. I personally had to address my own mental health issues late in my career, brought on by burn out. I am so grateful for the fine mental health staff, counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists I've worked with and who ultimately intervened in my own crisis.
These ignorant and uninformed attitudes by such influential leaders are appallingly irresponsible. It reminds me of the mental health 'stigma' issues that were rampant in the secular and religious community in my early years in the field. I was hoping we were well beyond that. It's maddening and very sad!
The church of all institutions/communities should be the most compassionate and 'available' for this devestating major health crisis we face in our current day!
Let's be part of the solution not adding to the problem at hand.
Jim B
Chaplain/Pastoral Couselor/Mental Heath worker
Thank you, Jim! I appreciate the encouragement and support. Hopefully things can change!
Well said, Shawn! Thank you. As one with several family members who suffer from varying types of mental illness, I appreciate your compassion! God bless you.
Thanks, Linda! God bless your family members. 🙏🏼
I believe Jesus’ approach with people was way more practical than spiritualizing matters under the carpet. People seem to think they have done their duty if they do that. But it’s not enough for most needs let alone real mental illness.
Recently someone told me that one of their family members described the start of their mental illness as if one day, a switch in their brain was flipped.
And a good friend of mine from years ago is suffering terribly from deep depression. She was the LEAST likely for this to happen to, but it did.
Both of these people come from church backgrounds so how are religious platitudes going to help them? Some arrogant people seem to forget that God often uses human agents to help His children in need, in the medical world as well all other spheres of life.
Thank you to those of you who have worked in such a difficult field.
A topic well addressed, Shawn
Thank you, Yvonne! I agree wholeheartedly!
Those who have endured a condition of mental illness or have witnessed the struggles of a family member or friend, know too well that its not 'all in their head' and the 'just get over it' approach is callous in the extreme.
Bi-polar disorder has affected several generations of my husband's maternal line to varying degrees and my maternal heritage is of anxiety disorders. What a combination of potential difficulties to unwittingly pass to yet another generation!
For some individuals the genetic package is manageable with understanding and lifestyle choices. For others the conditions are nearly over-whelming, affecting relationships and the ability to work.
Prayer, yes--for the courage to seek help, to be guided toward the patterns [and perhaps the medications] that promote emotional and spiritual balance. Prayer for those of us who deal not only with our own mental fragility but need ongoing compassion for those we love who can't seem to find or maintain the best ways to cope.
I agree, Sharon! It is indeed very callous. Thank you for sharing your reflections and feedback.