Today I post the last question in our conversation on mental health.  You will be able to read the answers to the first two questions in the following posts (I have not yet had a chance to collate the replies to the second one). You can also watch the recording of our video conversation with author Amy Simpson. You can still submit an answer to any of the questions by linking your post to the relevant article and writing a comment there. Question 1: How has faith shaped our view of mental … [Read more...]

As part of our ongoing conversation about Mental Illness, I hosted a video discussion right here on the blog. You can watch it above or on the YouTube page. Participating in the conversation was myself, Amy Simpson who is the author of Troubled Minds, and Patheos editors Timothy Dalrymple & Deborah Arca. One subject that we address in the conversation is more fully discussed in my post: Can a Christian get depressed? You can also join a written conversation on faith and mental … [Read more...]

Several things seem to have come together to make the subject of mental illness and people of faith very topical. One month ago tragedy struck the family of Rick Warren, one of America's best known pastors. Since then many have been writing about mental health with a new conviction. Also, Amy Simpson has released her moving book Troubled Minds - Mental Illness and the Church's Mission which is now featured on the Patheos Book Club. May has been declared Mental Health Awareness Month, and … [Read more...]

Schizophrenia is a serious, often highly disabling mental illness. Many get confused and think schizophrenia is a split personality disorder. This is not the case at all. Instead it is characterized by the presence of psychotic symptoms, and the absence of significant mood symptoms. People can get some psychotic symptoms with the Mood Disorders (Depression and Bipolar Disorder). These should only be present during the mood episodes, and are supposed to be consistent with the mood state rather … [Read more...]

Last week I spoke about what psychiatrists call "Major Depressive Disorder."  Today I want to speak about Bipolar Disorder, the condition formally known as Manic Depression.  This post should be read in conjunction with a few others in this series in particular.  Here are the key ones that are important for understanding this article: What causes mental illness? What can we do to reduce the risk of suicide? How can I recognize a possible mental illness? What are mental illnesses and … [Read more...]

One thing I like about Patheos is it gives us a chance to read what others think of us. It isn't always pretty, it isn't always comfortable reading. But listening to other's perspectives is often of benefit us. Sometimes they may prompt us to say something we wouldn't have otherwise, as the "Friendly Atheist" did today. I read his post about a couple who have apparently not sought medical help on two occasions leading in each case to their death of a child. Friendly Atheist feels that … [Read more...]