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The Evangelical FAIL on Mental Health: 100+ of my FB Friends Tell Their Shockingly Poignant Stories

Last updated on: March 12, 2015 at 5:35 pm   by
The Evangelical FAIL on Mental Health: 100+ of my FB Friends Tell Their Shockingly Poignant Stories 2015-03-12T17:35:12-06:00
Pastors, teachers, mothers, fathers, grandparents, psychologists, counselors– everyone: ignore these unedited shockingly poignant stories of the failure of Christians to address mental health issues at your peril. On December 23, I posted this question on my FB page. Please read the revealing responses that follow. Then “like” my FB page and join us in our many ongoing robust discussions you will only find on my page…
Is Mental Illness Caused By “Unrepentant Sin”? How Did Christians Help or Worsen Your Mental Health Problems? This Christmastime share your story. My father Francis Schaeffer suffered from depression and I’ve also felt the dark night of the soul from time to time. How about you? Did anyone help you? In our evangelical family depression was treated as a “spiritual problem” or a “lack of faith.” We didn’t believe in professional mental health care. We were more likely to believe in casting out demons than science-based counseling.Share your story about your mental health encounters (good or bad) with the Christian community, church and family related to your issues/problems/failures or triumphs large or small, and I’ll republish your comments on my Patheos.com blog.One in four American adults suffer from mental illness, and the Christian church is no exception.According to a recent study (completed by Lifeway Research) nearly half of evangelical Christians believe that mental illness can be overcome by “Bible study and prayer alone” is this true? It sure didn’t work for my family! And Have you had believers tell you that “getting closer to God” is the “answer” to your problems?Tell me your story here and I’ll publish it on my blog. Thank you!
  • Katherine Mantius BennettI went to Wheaton college. Was very earnest. Did not want to have premarital sex. Friend on my hall (also earnest) did have sex and told RA and asked for prayer leading to her being kicked out of school when she refused to say she wouldn’t have it again. Fast forward a few months. I did the deed with the man I ultimately married. Was so racked with guilt and shame I couldn’t stop crying. Got sent to Central Dupage Hospital for 10 days (til insurance ran out and I was pronounced cured). Still felt guilty. married a man I still care for but shouldn’t have married out of guilt. Life is good 21 years later. Definitely not crazy. But at the time I believed I was uniquely defective. Thank goodness we grow past fundamentalist thinking.
    Unlike · Reply · 6 · December 23 at 11:10pm
    • Frank SchaefferHi Katherine, Thanks for sharing this story… and I wonder how many women and men your story represents? I’m betting millions. And just imagine if on top of that you’d been gay! The sexual dysfunction of the evangelical community is a real soul killer. Thank you for the terrific note. Now Wheaton went to court to be able to deny women contraceptive coverage from their insurance— and won! It goes on… Best, Frank
      Like · 3 · Commented on by [email protected] · December 24 at 3:55am
  • Michael W GoochEvangelicals have turned Christianity into snake oil with their claims of healing hearts and their phony testimonials about such things.
    Unlike · Reply · 5 · December 23 at 10:45pm
  • Brian CordovaI do recall going through horrible depression in my teens and begging my family for psychological help, only to have my older sister guilting me by saying that if I did get help, it only proved that I didn’t trust God. Needless to say, I didn’t trust God much in those days and to this day, I still cringe at the words “Trust God!”.
    Unlike · Reply · 7 · December 23 at 10:06pm · Edited
    • Frank SchaefferHi Brain, Looking back historians will see America’s religiosity as a sort of madness that overtook our society… the sane people were depressed… only the certainty addicts could find this “normal.” Thanks for sharing. Best, Frank
      Like · 5 · Commented on by [email protected] · December 24 at 4:04am
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  • Sharon PetersJust a little hint: it’s impossible to have real relationships w/ addicts. The elements for honesty, empathy, are missing. The overwhelming need for a community of religious addicts is to ‘guard their supply’. What is their supply?
    Unlike · Reply · 5 · December 23 at 9:43pm
  • Steve MurrayThanks for facilitating this, Frank. There is much to learn in the sharing of our stories.
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 23 at 5:41pm · Edited
  • Ramona GriggFrank, I’ve read all the comments here and I’m both saddened and appalled at the cruelty needlessly inflicted on depressives who turned to their churches for relief and were turned away. The roots of depression are more physical than mental, and we’re not in the dark ages anymore. The post I wrote after Robin Williams’ suicide has nothing really to do with depression and religion but as a long time depressive with long family roots in mental illness, I felt I had to speak out about the ignorance surrounding depression and suicide. Feel free to use any part of it. I think this dialogue needs to carry far and wide: http://www.ramonasvoices.com/…/the-dark-sadness-claims…
    Ramona’s Voices: The Long Dark Sadness Claims Another Victim
    Rise up, Voices! …Speak Truth to Power… Bark Orders at…
    ramonasvoices.com|By Ramonas Voices
    Unlike · Reply · Remove Preview · 2 · December 23 at 5:39pm
    • Frank SchaefferHi Ramona, thanks for the note… I agree “cruelty” is the word…. and it is based on certainty addiction. The churches would rather hang on to false ideas and destroy people than abandon so called faith. We have a problem… and the “Nones” those done with religion are multiplying… Best, Frank
      Like · 3 · Commented on by [email protected] · December 24 at 4:02am
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  • Charles RichardsI’m a counselor (that’s also a Christian). I believe some issues/problems are a sin problem and can benefit from spiritual counseling; obviously the problems I see in my practice, for the most part, aren’t those. I’m thankful that the church is moving in the direction of “if you need counseling, get it”. I believe the “sin only” approach has pushed depressed folks to suicide without interventions that could have helped; I wouldn’t want that on my conscience.
    Unlike · Reply · 5 · December 23 at 4:44pm
  • Stephanie GordonMy ex-husband suffered from anxiety and depression linked to histrionic personality syndrome, which we were unaware of for years. It sounds odd to say it, but he used prayer and holy talk as a little talisman against evil; he was very superstitious. He thought if he squeezed his eyes shut and whispered a prayer that all would be ok. He was really into church and prayer and actually worked for Pat Robertson for years. And yes, he talked about the devil all the time. Video games were of the devil. Education for women was of the devil. Careers for women were of the devil. Public school was satanic…you get the picture. He had to have an enemy. So his HPS got worse and worse and he started to act out; he had very serious problems with impulse control. Most of his problems were sexual; he became a sex addict. He cried a lot, screamed a lot, told me I was a bad wife. It’s quite true that I was impatient with his drama. One day I told him that he was acting like the kind of man who comes home from work and kills his entire family, and that if he did not get help, I was leaving. He went on meds and then to many, many “men only” counseling sessions at church but he told me it was mostly men sitting around bitching about how awful their wives were. We went to Christian counseling but the counselor failed to recognize my then-husband’s problems and assumed my then-husband was just a macho man who needed a lot of sex and who was stressed out. I assure you, the problems were far more problematic than just his being “macho.” The counselor spent more time talking about HIS marriage than he did about OUR marriage. He talked directly to my then-husband and didn’t seem interested in me. My then-husband dominated the conversation and reverted all discussion to HIS needs and what a great guy he was. After the session, I called the counselor and told him I was not going to engage in counseling with Christians any more, particularly with Christian men who thought women weren’t important. He sounded shocked, as if he hadn’t considered this issue ever before. So the marriage loped along and my then-husband got worse…to make a horribly long story short, my so-called Christian husband ended up repeatedly raping an underaged girl and lost everything. My sons and I decided Christianity was not for us. It took about ten years to heal from all that. For several years, I was in the darkest time of my life…I slowly came out of it WITHOUT help from god, jesus, the church, or christians.
    Unlike · Reply · 7 · December 23 at 4:32pm
    • Frank SchaefferHi Stephanie, what a detailed and terrific account. Everything right about you and wrong with the American evangelical idea of Christianity is in your story. I love the bit about the “counselor” being shocked to discover that you wanted to be treated with respect as a woman, and talk about your problems not his! I trust you are all well. Very Best, Frank
      Like · 3 · Commented on by [email protected] · December 24 at 3:48am
    • Kate AbbeMuch love to you and yours, Stephanie. Very sorry about the ex. Horror.
      Like · Yesterday at 12:59am
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  • Jacqueline BohrCognitive dissonance would have to e a primary source. Peace wont come till your theology makes sense.
    Unlike · Reply · 4 · December 23 at 4:17pm
  • Deb MartindaleOh yes, heard that ‘unconfessed sin’ a million times from “caring” Christians. Welll, the first Panic Attack I had when I was 3…and it’s continued to this day, along with depression. What unconfessed sin could a 3 year old have? Did I pick my nose and forget to ask Jesus to forgive me? Ugh…churches and the so-called Believers.
    Unlike · Reply · 8 · December 23 at 2:41pm
  • Richard LewisOne thing I have discovered from the religious is that they think its almost mandatory to assign blame onto a victim and then pass condemning judgment upon him. Jesus, by his own words, was not in favor of doing this. But I find that universally religious folks seek for facile explanations to complex questions.

    Blame the victim, regardless if it is someone afflicted, or say, for example, gay.
    Unlike · Reply · 8 · December 23 at 2:39pm
  • Adam YoungOne of many, a short one: Upon learning that I had been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome years earlier, a friend made a face reminiscent of a deer caught in headlights and quite simply said “that’s DEMONIC!” with no explanation (and I’m quite sure they didn’t even know what TS was apart from this analysis)

    I guess everyone misunderstanding me for years in my youth and all the territory that came with it was because… you know, “demons”. If the doctors only knew, think of the life I could have had back then!
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 23 at 2:09pm
  • Sara MoslenerThank you for facilitating this, Frank. This time last year I was suffering deeply with panic and anxiety. I reached out to friends and my religious community and found an incredible amount of support and care, even though it felt like I would forever be trapped in an underwater grave. This time of year has always been a big trigger for me, so hearing other people’s stories, even total strangers, is a true gift.
    Unlike · Reply · 4 · December 23 at 1:59pm
  • Maribeth Wright CurryThe last ‘altercation’ I had with a ‘Christian’ counsellor, she told me I had a ‘Santa Claus God’ b/c I pray for my kids to be safe and healthy etc… needless to say, I never went back. Growing up in a dysfunctional pastor’s family- where what the world saw was the diametrical opposite of went on at home– I’m still struggling to figure out what is in fact reality even now– Been thru the deliverance, spiritual roots of depression etc and while there was some help- mostly I believe because people actually loved on me (gave me time, listened to me) than because what they said/taught actually had merit… Thank you so much for your transparency Frank- it gives hope where they was none.
    Unlike · Reply · 3 · December 23 at 1:33pm
  • Laura GrimesMental illness and addiction run very strong on both sides of my family, so it’s no surprise I inherited the mental illness genes. I am very thankful that I don’t seem to have inherited the addiction gene. I believe I have suffered from depression (varying from mild to full-blown deepest pit) at least since age 7. I attend an evangelical bible church and, while I have struggled mightily with a lot of issues there, I can say my pastor was very, very supportive when I talked with him, and put no guilt or shame on me at all. While there is still quite a lot of misunderstanding in the evangelical world regarding depression and other mental illnesses, that is true of the wider world as well. Our American culture is very impatient, wants quick fixes, and the myth of the lone individual, conquering the world, runs so strong in our mythos. I shudder to think what people suffering from mental illness run into in some of those “new age” type groups, where they teach that we “create our own reality.” One of those type told me a few years ago that we choose the family we are born into. So, if you were abused by your father, for example, you chose that family because you had something to learn from it. Ugggggh. All that to say, this is not an exclusively evangelical/fundamentalist problem.
    Unlike · Reply · 3 · December 23 at 12:36pm
  • Dan ShafferThese posts are so sad and heartbreaking.
    Depression is not the absence of spirituality.
    As one who has struggled with depression for decades and takes medication for it, I know it is hard for people to understand that don’t have it.
    I have to remember constantly that my frame of mind is not indicative of reality around me.
    My depression may have been because of years of abuse from my dad.
    I do know my mind doesn’t release the proper chemicals as it should all the time.
    Bottom line, people need to be sensitive to not equate depression as a spiritual abnormality.
    Unlike · Reply · 4 · December 23 at 12:32pm
  • Phyllis Anne WeeksMy sister-in-law is an evangelical Christian who suffers from depression. There were Christians in her circle who told her that her faith wasn’t deep enough. Fortunately, she knew her faith was deep and saw a doctor. She can function now.
    Unlike · Reply · 3 · December 23 at 12:17pm
  • Neal CampbellI’ve suffered depression to the point of being in bed for more than a month, and all I wanted to do was sleep or die. I believe being raised in fundamentalism where we’re taught as children that we’re broken and evil is a prescription for mental illness. We grow up sing songs about being “wretches,” and it does deep psychological damage. The good news is that in the very difficult process of becoming an unbeliever, I started to overcome some of the mental illness that was systematically programmed into my brain as a kid. I still struggle with depression and feelings of inadequacy, but less and less as I move further away from my religious roots.
    Unlike · Reply · 5 · December 23 at 11:54am
  • Wendy FranciscoI do have a story. I had a clinical depression in my 30s. It was the worst thing I ever experienced and included a break with reality. It was serious, and terrifying, a two year episode. A sweet person who was said to have the gift of deliverance told me sanity is a choice, and prayed for me. She never even hinted that there was something wrong in my life , or gave me any blame or guilt. It went away… not immediately, but it began to recede and continued to until it was gone. This was almost 30 years ago. The depression never returned.
    Unlike · Reply · 6 · December 23 at 11:42am
    • Frank Schaefferthanks! F
      Like · 1 · Commented on by [email protected] · December 23 at 11:54am
    • Wendy FranciscoHaving gone through this, I think depression is dangerous. I think ministers should take it seriously and be educated about it, and from what I have heard, my story is one of a few positive examples, among many negative ones. I have had terrible uneducated and damaging counseling at churches on other occasions …. but this was one experience where the particular lady really had a gift. She was loving, and her input was amazing and healing.
      Unlike · 3 · December 23 at 12:00pm
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  • Jennifer Jones HamiltonMy mother has suffered from depression most of her life…several times she has taken herself off her medication (with no physician input) because she believed “God was telling her he was going to heal her.” Needless to say it was a disaster each time. I think she has finally come to realize that her depression is not a spiritual issue but the messages from various churches and church people in her life over the years have most definitely been more harmful than helpful. To all of us.
    Unlike · Reply · 8 · December 23 at 11:35am
    • Frank SchaefferHi Jennifer, yes, those healings… and of course when it doesn’t happen, the answer? You needed more faith, so lets blame the victim… and so it goes, thanks for the post, Best, Frank
      Like · 7 · Commented on by [email protected] · December 23 at 11:54am
    • Chester PrusaczykSo many do not understand how painful and debilitating severe depression is. I suffered for 20+ years. Went to one MD for help, when I was about 21,and his answer was Church. I was told that if I just said that I except Jesus as my savior all my problems would end. Of course it did not work. That experience just made things worse. Made me a devout atheist. Next I tried going back to college [I had dropped out in 1970] and luckily I found a Professor of psychology who helped me get started on my fight to having some kind of normal life. My depression kept me from dating, I was 30 years old before I had my first kiss. I kept fighting the depression and at 33 I was married. The dark passenger was still there but I kept busy working and raising 2 children and have had a fairly normal life. For those with sever depression, don’t give up,things can get better.
      Unlike · 2 · December 23 at 1:36pm
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  • Joseph Galbraith ÂûI had suffered from anxiety and depression for all of my life, and a host of other issues…was constantly told it was because of my “spiritual” and “moral” flaws. I found out in 2008 I was born with a congenital brain defect and was also diagnosed with High Functioning Autism, I no longer carry the self imposed guilt, shame, and hatred that was imposed upon me by religion and family.

    There is NO doubt in my mind however, that the state of one’s soul can help or exacerbate these kind of things. I must say though that “spirituality” was used to bully and demean me, and actually made my problems worse. Now that I am diagnosed correctly, I still have issues, but my life is much better.
    Unlike · Reply · 5 · December 23 at 11:29am
  • Sharon Colflesh AutenriethI grew up in a pastor’s family. Some of my family members have dealt with depression and addiction, a number of us have used medication and/or counseling. In my own case, I “came out” very publicly with my depression a couple of years ago and let everyone know (via my blog and Facebook) that I was going to therapy. I really received nothing but kindness and encouragement from my Christian friends – and a number of people thanked me for being so open about it, for helping to destigmatize mental illness. Our senior pastor has spoken from the pulpit about his own issues with anxiety and depression, and how helpful medication was for him. I know the church has been in the wrong on this subject at many times, and in many places, but in my context (Church of the Nazarene) I’ve found the Body of Christ has been very loving toward me in my weakness.
    Unlike · Reply · 5 · December 23 at 11:30am · Edited
  • Shelby ArtistChristians did not help.
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 23 at 11:20am
  • Steve Lee SrIn my mid forties I was diagnosed with clinical depression. Before the diagnosis, when I was aware there was a problem, I went to the pastor of my church to seek help. I was an elder in the church and the pastor was (I thought) a close friend. His conclusion was that the depression was a result of sin in my life. While I didn’t mind admitting to having sin in my life, I was also aware that there had not been an INCREASE of sin in my life. I wasn’t having an affair or anything.

    The problem did not get any better until one day when I was in the office of my primary care physician for an unrelated matter. He asked me how things were going and I exploded into tears. We talked a bit more and he referred me to mental health services. Medication and counseling eventually got me back on track, but the cold and superficial response from my pastor, coming at a time when I really needed help (and a friend) caused me to leave the church. It was the beginning of my final exodus from the evangelical church. I have been a happy participant in both the ELCA and the Episcopal church ever since. I can’t ever imagine going back to the simplistic and narrow-minded ranks of evangelicalism.

    I like to think that God was with me during the ordeal (though it didn’t feel like it at the time [I almost lost my job and my faith]) and that he used it to get me to a place where I am infinitely more happy and fulfilled.
    Unlike · Reply · 3 · December 23 at 11:14am
  • Lynn JenningsI suffered from clinical depression for over 10 years Frank. I thought about suicide twice,it scared me enough to go and get help and I was put on several anti-depressants over the years. The last round I was on was a dose that was so high that even the pharmacist was questioning the doctors prescription and even then I was barely functioning. I did group therapy, individual therapy and seeing a psychiatrist to no avail. Mental illness runs in both sides of my family. I actually thank God that I was not a member of any organized religion at the time. Many family members prayed for me and many people had so many suggestions, like just snap out of it. Get out and exercise etc…What finally helped was a friend whose family had a history of thyroid disease and she convinced me to go see her doctor who is a metabolic specialist (my insurance did not cover this doctor and my husband and I decided it was worth stretching our budget to see if it would help.My husband says it was the best money we ever spent) and I was diagnosed with Thyroid disease. I also was so deficient in Vitamin D that she stated she was surprised I did not have rickets. I am now on a correct dose of Armour thyroid medication and I take a daily vitamin D dose and my depression and anxiety are gone. Turns out my brother who is bipolar has a thyroid condition and several of my family members do too. What I learned is that many times there is an actual medical condition behind the depression and mental illness, and ALL options should be explored. Prayer helped, but if I had relied solely on that I would more than likely be dead now. I have been off of anti-depressants for over 4 years now and have never been better. I have normal days where I can feel blue or restless but it is short lived not like the overwhelming ocean of despair I lived in before. I would like to state my diagnosis was a hard fought battle because many doctors insisted that my thyroid numbers were normal. Well normal for many was not normal for me. I am grateful for the anti-depressants that kept me alive and I am grateful for the treatment I received, but I am truly grateful for a husband and best friend that insisted there were answers and would not stop until we found them. I share my story hoping it will give someone hope, but want to remind everyone just like Tami Terry Martin below said, there is never one answer for everyone. One size fits all does not work for mental health. I am glad to see you addressing this issue. Thank you. Sorry this post is so long.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 23 at 11:09am
  • Jack HarbourMental illness, according to the kooks I hung with, was nothing more than “evil spirits”, either caused by “sin in your life”, or demonic “oppression or possession”……I spent 35 years in a very “radical” charismatic/evangelical church. Of course, being a charismatic church which would attract all kinds of oddballs kind of made the place a hotbed for folks who DID need the kind of help that mental health professionals provide. I was witness to many so called “exorsisms” during the altar calls (of which there were many) but yet the folks were supposedly “exorsised” seemed to remain the same. Fasting, scripture meditation, intense prayer (especially in tongues….which in itself can intensify mental illness and LOTS of crazy notions), were the “tools” that were pushed upon folks who dealt with worry and depression. It was taught that a “child of the King” should NOT suffer from these things and had no place in the “life of the church” and IF one was suffering from these things, it was a result of doubt and unbelief. So, on top of the very real issue of depression, we were told that it was NOT of God and we had to bury it even DEEPER into ourselves and so carry on as though nothing was wrong and so the issue was compounded upon itself. Im not trying to “throw the baby out with the bathwater” but I think that if you want to find some real mentally challenged folks, just walk into any hyper charismatic church today and you will see a sanctuary FULL of them……..and it is very sad. My family has been quite negatively affected by this nonsense and I have regrets every day for even setting foot into that culture……..
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 23 at 11:03am
  • Korp Låga Och IsI really slowly have stopped believing in god, thus I doubt my depression is sin or faith based. However, I don’t know what it exactly is based on. I’ve been to doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, I’ve taken pills and therapy, I’ve talked about how I feel, hell, I used to cut myself because I was so miserable and angry that I wanted to hurt someone, but I’d only allow to hurt myself. Some self-destructive habits like that have stuck, and I can’t really shake it. The religious called me demon possessed, and I pondered if maybe I really was. I watched them exorcise someone else for the same reason, but I didn’t understand. I still don’t. I can’t force myself to believe that what I saw was how things are supposed to happen. I still think about it and get some weird, disgusting feeling inside my gut. Nothing will cure my depression, only numb it, it seems. Like morphine. Things will feel good for a while, but just as soon as it started, I’m making love to the ideal that I am the worst human alive. Maybe it’s my family, since they’re fundamentalist and I’m everything they’ve ever despised that could still be US-born and light skinned. Maybe it’s that my mother isn’t in my life and doesn’t love me. Maybe it’s that my dreams never really come true. Worst case scenario, my mind is right and I really really suck. But I have friends who feel the same. I suppose, in the words of Billy Joel, we’re sharing a drink called loneliness, but it’s better than drinking alone.
    Unlike · Reply · 4 · December 23 at 11:00am
  • Dan FrankotCarl Jung thought it was almost impossible to attain phycological healing and wholeness without a spiritual reality. For me my faith in God has been powerfully healing in my struggle with anxiety/depression . But the God I believe in is whom Karl Barth called the “one who loves in freedom” , who Moltmann called the “crucified God” a God who is for us ,suffers with us with healing loving presence.
    Unlike · Reply · 4 · December 23 at 10:54am
  • Mary Wisner MillerI believe in God and I believe he guided the people who invented depression medications. Amen.
    Unlike · Reply · 4 · December 23 at 10:54am
  • Jeannie Sapp JohnstonI too am one of the many Americans who suffer from depression. I was on anti-depressants for over 15 years and was finally able to wean myself off of them – it took over a year! I have heard others say that mental illness is the result of demonic possession, influence, etc. and I suppose there is a possibility that some cases may be just that. However, I think it is dangerous to blanket all mental illness as the result of sin or possession. If we are going to say we believe that man sinned and fell and as a result we live in a constant corruptible state, we may intimate that ALL disease is a result of sin. I don’t see how mental illness should differ from cancer if we are going to adopt that world view. The Creator is the author of science and has given us the ability to study disease and find ways to cure some.To allow the stigma of sin/possession to attach to only mental illness is reckless and has the potential to undo years of work advancing the plight of those who suffer. Just my 2 cents.
    Unlike · Reply · 6 · December 23 at 10:55am · Edited
  • Patrick DeZeeuwI try not to listen to Elliott Smith on a Monday however listening to Mark Heard (nothing produced by Chris Christian..irony there) rings true to my melancholy monster. Chesterton called it the “ache of the artist”. However I call it being an asshole. Until I took responsibility for my moodiness and decided not to let it impact those I loved by being an asshole nothing was going to change and what is worse is I became a “Christian” ass. So now the ones closest to me knew I was a hypocrite.

    So my lovely rational wife confronted me on my hypocrisy and my irrational nature. She wrote me a letter and in it she said, “you are a stupid inconsiderate jerk but I love you and will never leave you.”

    Mine was a chemical imbalance and sleep deprivation. Need my sleep, meds are dialed, avoid drama and no Elliott Smith on Monday but I will treat myself to a little Wilco once in a while. Oh and I have learned to laugh at myself. Ha!
    Unlike · Reply · 7 · December 23 at 7:21pm · Edited
  • Bill MurphyWhy single out Christians? Don’t atheists cause as many mental-health problems? Don’t people who think they know what’s best for others and never miss a chance to tell them cause mental-health problems?

    I’m not seeing a whole lotta health and well being around here. Just a lot of anger, finger pointing, more anger, and more finger pointing.

    For me, mental health means avoiding extremes – like atheists are always wrong (or right) and Christians are always wrong (or right).

    Wisdom can be found in many places. Why do you spend all your time shaking your fist at those who choose to find wisdom (and, I suppose, comfort) in the Christian tradition? I try to help people put down their anger, stop the blaming and finger pointing, and be at peace with who they are.
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 23 at 10:11am
    • Frank SchaefferHi Bill, you make a good point. You might as well be quoting from my book Why I Am an Atheist Who Believes in God. I make the same point there. So are you “answering” me or talking to someone you read about that’s not me? Best, Frank
      Like · 1 · Commented on by [email protected] · December 23 at 10:38am
    • Kate AbbeIt’s true that simply being angry, and that it’s it! is ultimately not a salve for the problems that fundamentalist religions can cause. But one of the worst things is to tell people to “can” it and not ever be angry, to forgive fundies who don’t even believe there’s a problem let alone say there’s any wrong to fundie religion. I don’t think this is what’s going on with what you’re saying, but if it is, please stop.
      Like · Yesterday at 1:13am · Edited
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  • Andi StaabOh, I’m not even going down that road! Oh hell, I can’t help it. There isn’t a billboard large enough to explain how negatively Christianity has worsened my mental state. Or, it can be summed up in 4 words: “Christianity killed my family.”
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 23 at 9:56am · Edited
  • Barbara E BabcockOne of the times I was in the hospital my roommate was a catholic nun who had been booted out of her cloister because she could not pray her depression away it has taken many years but I have found a small Church full of people who understand depression and know how to support me. The stigma around MI medicine is waning Thank God.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 23 at 9:55am
  • Ann BouchardChristian beliefs compound an individuals mental state with their belief system which provides no relief. Christanity does not recognize legitimate complaints that affect a person. Then a person turns inwards hating themselves. Depression in anger turned inward. There are ways to overcome depression of a spiritual nature, like nuturing your soul, caring for plants and animals, eating healthy, be involved with what you love and are passionate about, and find a way to be useful. The problem just may be the way the depressed person is treated. Let up on them. Give them a break because is all likelihood it is not “sin” on their part. I am feeling so much better now that I left Christianity. Will not ever go back. That thinking is so toxic coming from Christianity.
    Unlike · Reply · 3 · December 23 at 9:54am
  • Judi ScrantonI feel so guilty for the years I wasted looking for a spiritual solution for my sons mental health issues. No mother wants to believe that her child has a mental illness and the community more often judged his behavior issues as poor parenting. I wanted to cast out his demons rather than face the hard work of dealing with the lifelong issue he faces.
    I think he has forgiven me but he has developed an aversion to anything spiritual because of his experiences.
    Unlike · Reply · 5 · December 23 at 9:47am
    • Frank SchaefferHi Judi, what a terrific and honest post, if only we parents could get a few years back for a do-over! I know the feeling! Best, Frank
      Like · 3 · Commented on by [email protected] · December 23 at 10:41am
    • Kate AbbeJudi, that may be the best preventative of further problems for people who still must often deal with religious stigma on mental illness, especially for those who have it all their lives. A blessing in disguise.
      Like · Yesterday at 1:17am
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  • Barney RodawaldI don’t believe my mental illness is caused by an unrepentant sin. I don’t believe God works that way. He’s a loving God and it’s because of my relationship with God I’m here today. I write a blog and my faith is clear in my writings at
    www.49livingwithdepression.blogspot.com
    49 and living with depression
    49livingwithdepression.blogspot.com|By Barney Rodawald
    Like · Reply · Remove Preview · December 23 at 9:40am
  • Tim WestLet’s remember that it’s only been in the last century that anyone has connected depression with chemistry. So it’s no wonder that people are still coming to terms with having to check out their physiology in connection with it. Can a depression be caused solely from distorted thinking? Absolutely. But in this day and age, assuming that to be the case is irresponsible. You may need to be treated for a medical condition. Don’t attempt to diagnose yourself.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 23 at 9:40am
  • Creston C DavisThanks for the invitation, Frank! It’s difficult to tell my story, but basically a few years ago, when my brothers either offed themselves or tried things started to spin. My best friend from childhood killed himself four years ago Christmas Eve. This all related to a terrible series of events that happened to me in a Church setting. My wife’s affairs were something that I dealt with until I came up with a deadly illness and this compounded with my friend and brother fate caused a serious spin in my life down into the “valley of darkness.” I lost everything. The church simply didn’t have the language to even speak with me. I’m still trying to figure all this out and it’s been four years.
    Unlike · Reply · 3 · December 23 at 10:47am · Edited
    • Frank SchaefferHi Creston, thanks for the sad story, your line ” The church simply didn’t have the language to even speak with me” might be the epitaph for so much of what’s gone wrong! Love and Best, Frank
      Like · 3 · Commented on by [email protected] · December 23 at 10:45am
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  • Randy BuistIn college I was a psych major, and it seemed mental illness would never happen to me. On my 41st birthday I had all the signs of a heart attack; a month later I was told it was mild depression and anxiety. Our minds change, and our bodies change as we get older. I’ve learned to live into as best I can, and I still lean into the ways of Jesus as much as ever. Thanks to the other thoughtful people for posting.
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 23 at 9:39am
  • Dan BarberMy clinical depression occurred after prostate cancer which affected my hormones. Having come out of a fundamentalist background, I realized that their “spiritual” diagnosis would be inaccurate. However, I also thought realize that there could be a spiritual aspect to the physical problem.

    It was at this point, I found a state-certified professional counselor who worked out of a United Methodist church. He actually steered me away from the spiritual diagnosis and sent me to a physician. My MD put me on Welbutrin and I began seeing my counselor a couple times a month. We eventually got into my past, the physical and emotional abuse I suffered in fundamentalism as a kid and he taught me the importance of forgiveness. He was also clear that depression is a physical ailment which may or may not have root in spirituality. I’ve been depression-free for 3 years now and I am grateful that he taught me the root cause was physical even though there may have been an emotional/spiritual aspect to it.

    I would like to add that I have a relative who many years ago was suffering from fatigue in a fundamentalist church. He went to the pastors who told him to get more involved in church activities and ministries, that he wasn’t doing enough for God. As it turned out, he had a form of muscular dystrophy. Thankfully he sought a medical diagnosis and didn’t actually kill himself thinking it was solely spiritual.
    Unlike · Reply · 4 · December 23 at 9:01am
  • Allen AndersenI have severe depression. Have for decades. I go through cycles of pretty good to deep and dark. inevitably, someone always has advice. Repent. Pray. Jesus can heal you if you just claim it. You obviously aren’t really saved, some say. How can you be sick if you have Jesus. And on and on and on.

    Medication keeps me functioning most times. Therapy and counseling help too. But of course that’s “bad” because I’m not “fully relying on God”. So much more I can say, and I can if you want. Recently I was asked to serve as deacon at my church. That caused some people to leave because they didn’t think my faith was strong enough. (Obviously, if it was, I wouldn’t be “sick”, duh.)
    Unlike · Reply · 4 · December 23 at 8:39am
    • Frank SchaefferHi Allen, this is SO helpful! Thanks for the honesty. Too bad for the people who left your church! You’ll bring great compassion to those like me who need it most! I’ll join because you are there! Love and Best, Frank
      Like · Commented on by [email protected] · December 23 at 10:48am
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  • Tami Terry MartinThere are so many causes of mental illness. Counseling can and does help. Medicine helps. Exercise helps. Suggesting there’s only one kind and only one answer NEVER helps anyone.

    I have been in the mental health field for a while now. I went into it while attending a particular fundamental denomination in this country and I expected to go off to college and beard the lion in his den. I wasn’t a fresh faced freshman naive to the ways of the world. I was confident in my faith.

    Wasn’t it funny that the difficulties I faced came from my church? Suddenly 100 year old psychotherapy a’la Freud was the subject of several sermons in the most negative light possible. Suddenly “friends” wondered how I could stand to be away from my kids (they were in school all day when I was). I had great discussions – respectful discussions with my professors that were nothing like what I expected. At the same time, the support I expected was instead complete drive-me-away-from-the-church derision.

    Love, it would seem, is still the answer. Love for those who are different than we are and love for those who might hurt us. Just love.
    Unlike · Reply · 10 · December 23 at 8:37am
  • Louis ScalaThankfully, I have not had batles with this issue, however I am compelled to share an experience I had with a young man who suffered from mental illness…he would visit me at the college where I worked and we would talk, and he would share his anquish. On several ocassions I shared with him that I was struggling financially. Some time later I found an envelope in my mail box and inside it was about $300 dollars. This was back in the 1980s, so this was a significant gift at the time, from an unknown beificator, who I learned afterward was this troubled young man…I have forgotten his name, but I wlll never forget his wonderful act of Christ like Love…may God Bless him today whereever he may be…and may God forgive me and other “belivers” who have neglected to “balance” faith with medical assistance for those who suffer as this young man did. Thanks Frank for giving me the opportunity to share this story–Blessings to you and yours this Christmas.
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 23 at 8:19am
  • Michael DavisIn my own life, I was diagnosed as being bipolar at a very early age. I also was very religious, having been raised in a devout, Catholic environment. For me, my manic phases often manifested in hyper-religiosity that at its peak would have me feeling like I had some special relationship with God. Over a life time this has damaged me greatly. I have given away thousands of dollars to religious causes when I myself had insufficient funds to live properly. I even sold a house and quit my job to pursue what I thought was a religious vocation. To this very day, I still find that I can not shake many of the attitudes of my upbringing, even though I know that they are warped and dysfunctional. Had someone intervened more aggressively in assisting me with these issues at an earlier age, I might not have have damaged my personal and professional life as much as I did. Overall, religion has been a very large negative in my life.
    Unlike · Reply · 8 · December 23 at 7:39am · Edited
    • Frank SchaefferHi Michael, I bet there are many more people who have been used and abused by religion because of just what you describe. I think I share some of that history too… i wonder about my parents’ ministry sometimes and what drove them to sacrifice so much… your post raises VERY important points. Many, many thanks! Best, Frank
      Like · 1 · Commented on by [email protected] · December 23 at 10:32am
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  • Megan Dittman MurphyWow. The concept that any mental health illness is caused by unrepentant sin would make me want to run away from a God that holds those kinds of rules; thankfully, I don’t believe it. My husband is a 100% disabled Veteran (Marine Corps) and struggles with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and a host of other diagnoses. That “unrepentant sin” could cause all of this in his life then implies that the simple act of repenting could cure it. He spends every waking moment recounting the acts he took on behalf of this country, and crying out to God to have mercy on his soul, and wakes up the next day to follow the same cycle. Repentance, fellowship, and prayer are, sadly, not a cure-all. We have had many in the church (notice that’s not capitalized; the true Church wouldn’t dare) call him atrocious things (“baby killer” was one of the most commonly uttered) and drive him further away from any organized fellowship. While his soul clings to his Creator, his body will most likely never enter a church door again because of this mindset.
    Unlike · Reply · 9 · December 23 at 9:24am · Edited
  • Morgan FarmerMy depression was caused by a Vitamin D deficiency. Thank goodness a salesperson at a nutrition store suggested I see a nutritionist. Bible study and counseling never helped a depressed or grieving person. What is needed is a good friend, a blanket, hot chocolate, (or wine) and love and a nutritionist and meds if appropriate.
    Unlike · Reply · 13 · December 23 at 7:58am
  • Katherine Mantius BennettBecause he likely believed he was saving her soul.
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 23 at 11:14pm
  • Susan SteinhausThis sounds similar to a report I heard today about a woman who stayed in an abusive relationship because her pastor told her it was a sin to get divorced. How could that pastor sleep at night?
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 23 at 11:12pm
  • Sharon PetersI’m glad you are doing this frank.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 23 at 8:43pm
  • Karen EsterlineMy husband was a youth pastor when he had a breakdown eventually diagnosed as bipolar depression. The elders were supportive at first hoping he would “get better”. Then a new Sr. pastor was brought on and he decided he needed to decide what was best for the youth and kicked us to the curb. We had been there almost six years and the young people were like our own children. Plus we had three teenage daughters. No one but a handful of very close friends cared what happened to us. Oh yes – and that new pastor said a man speaks what is in his heart so when my husband was manic with no filter and being overly honest – that was somehow a sign of spiritual issues.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 23 at 1:41pm · Edited
  • Brian Victor CBible study cures huh ? I’ve tried reading that ridiculous insulting idiotic nonsense written by megalomaniacs to justify their crimes , but it always reminds me of the times I was forced to read it out loud while being beaten . So I have to struggle against my impulse to write a litany of vulgar screaming outrage . Then there’s that affair I had with a woman born on Dec. 25th who rejected me for ( what else ) a guy with allot of money . I hate the corporate marketing lie that has the damn gall to call itself a religious holiday .
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 23 at 1:08pm
  • Joe ViscontiThe very concept of sin is pathological.The TAO leaves no room for this nonsense.How wise of Lao Tsu.
    Unlike · Reply · 3 · December 23 at 10:53am
  • LaDonna KinnickOften times it’s simply a hormonal imbalance.
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 23 at 10:50am
  • Lori Lyon AdamsI’ve been depressed in some form my whole life. I tried anti-depressants at 29 (weight gain and brain lightning), deliverance ministry at 31 ( huge spiritual high followed by a gradual decline back into the depths with the added bonus of guilt that obviously my faith wasn’t strong enough), supplements at 35 (some relief, never lasting), and regular, structured exercise at 38.

    The exercise worked to a such a point as to get me to overhaul my way of approaching not only my mental health (in addition to depression, I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety, ADD and OCD–each day dawned with the anticipation of which one would rear it’s ugly head the ugliest), but my overall health, which included lifelong obesity.

    I have discovered that nutrition and banishing the SAD (standard American diet) has done more for my depression, etc than anything else. That, mixed with supplements and exercise, has helped me at my current age of 47 feel like I have a new lease on life!

    At my worst, however, I do have to say I was not barraged with messages of how my faith and I were failing each other. I am happy to credit my faith with finally finding some real answers to the puzzle of my health.
    Unlike · Reply · 3 · December 23 at 10:46am
  • Raphael VenegasI think the worst case was Martin Luther. Now there’s an example of religion making a person go insane.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 23 at 10:04am
  • Keeley LevelThey have worsened it!
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 23 at 10:40am
  • Mary Ann JaskiewiczMichael Davis read “spiritual warfare” by richard ing
    It’s an eyeopener
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 23 at 9:42am
  • Allen AndersenThat may not be the reason, entirely, but still…
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 23 at 8:41am
  • Steve TurnerI never got the impression from L’Abri that your parents viewed depression as a faith problem. Birdie counselled many people and I thought she had a background in a London hospital. Richard Winter, who was a L’Abri staffer, also came from a medical background and didn’t view things as you suggest. Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones, who was respected by your father, countered the idea that all depression could be explained in terms of spiritual health in his book Spiritual Depression. He made the point that depression can have roots in everything from poor eating habits to heredity. I think that again you’re presenting a uniformity of belief and practice in evangelicals that just doesn’t exist. In particular, you’re taking the worst and most unenlightened attitudes and presenting them as though they represent all those happy to describe themselves as evangelical. As to your father’s depression – I think there is something to be said for the possibility that those operating in the front-line of evangelism are, as he used to say, operating “where the battle is being most fiercely fought” and therefore more likely to suffer injury. I think he saw a lot of suffering and felt a lot of suffering. He admired people who felt deeply and he too felt deeply.
    Unlike · Reply · 6 · December 24 at 12:31pm · Edited
    • Frank SchaefferHi Steve, Good points… actually opinion in L’Abri was divided on Birdie. There was a faction that wanted her out based on their suspicion of “secular” counseling. My parents were in the middle, liked her but also thought that a more purely spiritual approach was “more biblical.” Also my parents changed their minds… they became less suspicious of psychology as the years passed. Best, Frank
      Like · Commented on by [email protected] · 16 minutes ago
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  • Judy Yetter PrenevostTrue mental illness is a chemical imbalance and needs treatment like any other physical illness. Christians made my depression and anxiety so much worse. ACT therapy helped me a lot. Celebrate Recovery with the right leader was also invaluable. I don’t trust Christians with my issues. I am a Christian, by the way.
    Unlike · Reply · 4 · December 23 at 11:36am · Edited

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  • Kristie HayesThat is so frustrating. I always like to use the example of my two uncles, only one living. Both are/were paranoid schizophrenics and they often told us God or the Devil was telling them to do something that was usually dangerous. I would not want them reading the Bible or praying in that state. Christianity needs to stay out of mental health care.
    Unlike · Reply · 3 · December 23 at 9:23pm
    • Frank SchaefferGood point Kristie, and one reason I think that believers have a problem with psychology is that the findings of science contradict the entire supernatural “explanation” of mental health issues. That goes right to the Bible. Jesus wasn’t casting out demons. Those “demons” would not have been there if the “possessed” had access to medication. To put it mildly mental health is an area where the supernatural view is outright in conflict with reality. Thanks for writing, Best, Frank
      Like · Commented on by [email protected] · 13 minutes ago
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  • Michael Vincent HollingsheadI had deep, dark, clinical depression for years, and was regularly told by fellow evangelicals to either “Stop wallowing in self pity,” or was given “Praising God Through Your Problems” books. I nearly had a nervous breakdown, and finally LEFT the church for a very long while, as I sought out (and found) healing, from the so-called ‘secular humanists’.
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 24 at 10:57pm
  • Ron FriesenI know lots of evangelical pastors on anti-depressants. Of course, they will not admit it to their congregants.
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 24 at 1:27pm
  • Susan LatimerThank you for this post. I have taken time to think deeply about this and my own thoughts. Great posts by others. I was very active in a church most of my life. left about 16 years ago. I believe so many of my issues, though not clinical still personality issues that hurt me and got in my way stem from the teaching, one I also used for my kids sadly, to “break the will of the child”. When my babies were born, I saw so much magic and good in them, but in order to follow the teachings of my church and James Dobson, I had to break their wills. To do that I had to see bad in my babies. This teaching is so wrong not only for the children but also the parents. I have had depression and once I left this teaching and the church, I have been so much better. To teach children that their will is evil and must be is destroyed teaches them they are evil and must be destroyed. Depression is just that, it can be a need to stop what is going on, to many to destroy themselves by suicide. Growing up, I was not allowed to just be happy, to have a will of my own and that I was good, I was only to obey, with head down and in silence. My children have all had depression, I believe had I not tried to destroy their wills, which can from a child’s point of view kill them, they would not have to suffer through. Our family is committed that our grandsons will not have to suffer the same way. We talk openly about this and will never try to break the will of any child again!!!
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 24 at 12:34pm · Edited
    • Frank SchaefferHi Susan, I hope someone does a study on what happened 20-30 years later to the millions of people raised by the “Dobson Method” so to speak, let alone the more strict “methods” of breaking children’s “will.” The damage done by evangelicals to children is incalculable. Thanks for writing, Best, Frank
      Like · Commented on by [email protected] · 10 minutes ago
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  • Serge LoukianoffFrank, Christ is Born! Glorify Him! Best wished to you and your family this special Nativity and New Year Season! Keeping you in my prayers, (Bp Peter’s twin) Serge
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 24 at 12:03pm
  • Lynn ProctorI believe that my evangelical upbringing worsened a genetic predisposition to depression. The whole premise of evangelicalism is threats of hell, making a person feel guilty or not good enough. To make matters worse, I was politically/intellectually aware of what they were doing to me before I could drive. I asked questions that religious leaders couldn’t answer or wouldn’t answer honestly. They counseled my poor equally depressed mother that I was incorrigible. I left evangelicalism for good in my mid-20s, and only then was I able to begin effective management of my depression.
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 24 at 11:05am
  • You’ve deleted this comment so no one can see it.
    Report · Ban Jamie Moore
  • Juanita NaWhat I sent you below, is from a book I started writing about 10 years ago about my lifetime of mental illness. I haven’t finished it yet, but hopefully I will.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · 5 hours ago
  • Juanita NaI want to promote understanding of mental illness based on my experience. I want to be an advocate for mental health myself. I am willing to be a resource for advocacy on mental health issues, but that would be a learning experience for me–which I am willing to do.
    If I could persuade a percentile of folks that the mentally ill cannot “get ahold of themselves”, help others and “quit feeling sorry for yourself”, medication for mental illness is of the devil, “look around–there are others worse off than yourself”, etc., etc, and etc.
    It seems as if some of the churches I attended had a great misunderstanding of the medication as well as the help for mental illness. For instance, I was told I needed exorcism and I was being prepared for this. Thank God that I did not get under this man’s influence.
    When I was in the depths of depression and desolation I was so desperate for help that I was easily manipulated. It is a helpless and hopeless situation–in my case self-loathing and constant panic–many times horror.
    I thought the title was provocative. It fits me. I was certainly influenced by many of the conservative Christian thoughts, and God knows I tried to follow their guidelines. I honestly don’t believe I would be alive now if I had not started listening to my own guidance and a few others that understood. For instance, a physician’s assistant who had also been a missionary who told me that the Assembly of God lost a lot of folks like me because they did not understand that it was an illness that needed help and medication the same as a diabetic needing help and medication.
    Somehow more is expected of the helpless mentally ill by the so-called spiritual minded. It’s rather like the adulteress that the “righteous” were going to stone–more was demanded of her and nothing demanded of the adulterer.
    Many of the churches I attended expounded good works and again I tried. Please, when I was in a desolate state I did not need to “help” someone else.
    About ten years ago I got into a 12-step program. I was amazed that I had all the symptoms of an “enabler”. I had almost enabled myself to death trying to put others ahead of me, trying to be good, to do good. That was a big life changer for me.
    Today I feel less guilty when I cannot do for others, I like myself, I’m in better mental health than ever in my life. It’s been a long haul. I really believe I could aid in educating some who are mentally ill and others who don’t understand it. All this based on my experience.
    I am thankful that the pharisees did not deter me from God–although they have deterred me from church. But I know that I am a part of the body of Christ which is His church–I think of myself as one of his toes. I wonder about the church here in the US. Jesus said many would say they had done wondrous works in His name and He said, “Depart ye from Me, ye workers of iniquity. I know you not.”
    I hope this explains some of what I want to express.
    Juanita
    Like · Reply · 5 hours ago
  • Jana BussanichDear Frank, For each meaningful question you ask here on FB, I find I have a response that I can never quite form into words; it’s as though my thoughts come so quickly that the words run over one another trying to express themselves. I have deleted every comment that I have started, for it seems that where words fail me there is only the language of art. It is a life lived on the paper at the end of the paintbrush, the tip of a piece of willow stick charcoal, and behind the lens of my camera. Working Title: A Mirror and a Window. Official Title: Self-portrait. REFLECTION
    Echoes, in the dark night of my soul
    A voice. Is it my own?
    Humanity shared
    A soul revealed
    Broken and bleeding
    The shards of glass lay on the floor
    Fragments, sharp
    I pick them up, a beautiful picture they will form
    My fingers bleed, a shattered life, a shattered hope
    Redeemed
    All the parts of me revealed
    I cannot find the face
    I cannot find my face
    Echoes, in the dark night of my soul
    Reflection

    Jana Bussanich, The Dark Night of My Soul 2013
    Inspired by St.John
    Jana Bussanich's photo.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · 13 hours ago · Edited
  • Joseph HaletkyThose whose stories involve depression caused or exacerbated by a strict “Catholic” upbringing or by “evangelical” upbringing were victims of a religion that is neither “catholic”, “evangelical”, nor really even “Christian”, but a form of emotional abuse. As an active Lutheran, I yearn for those who profess and confess our faith to return to emphasizing God’s radical love and grace that is offered to all (i.e. “catholic”, universal) and that is truly good news (I.e. “evangelical”) and a healing force rather than a weapon that bludgeons people with guilt and drives them into mental illness.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · 17 hours ago
    • Frank SchaefferHi thanks for the note but I’m not sure that the idea that when things go bad it shows that this isn’t “real Christianity” can be a cop out. I think it is real. It starts with the unwillingness to point out that Jesus wasn’t casting out “demons” and what those “possessed” people needed were medication, not faith. Face it our book is full of per-science nonsense. The problem begins with people who say it is “all true.” Best, Frank
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  • Andrew DunganI grew up a fundamentalist and attended a fundamentalist university. It was during my college years that I was diagnosed as bipolar. While my parents knew that I needed my medications and supported fully both pharmacology and scripture, they were surrounded by friends who told them, “Andrew doesn’t need to be on those pills. He just needs the support of prayer.” Although evangelical, my parents would not be trapped by the foolishness of the “by faith alone” arguments. Therefore, while I think it’s easy to dismiss all Evangelicals as kooks who dismiss rationalism and science and tend to over-spiritualize, many still balance faith and reason. It has been my experience that the range of Christian Fundamentalism is quite broad. Because Evangelicalism isn’t monolithic, individual reaction to depression and medication cannot be easily generalized.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 2:43am
    • Frank Schaeffer
      Good point, some evangelicals are open to science others not… but the trend isn’t good because few will reconsider their faith in the “truth” of the Bible– wherein “demons” are credited with mental illness… Best, Frank
  • Joyce MorinThankfully, I have not ever experienced depression. So why am I writing this?

    As a graduate of a conservative Christian college that during the time I was a student the prevailing evangelicalism was more open than it is today. We weren’t told what to believe or from what perspective we were to believe it. When students displayed or suspected whatever their form of mental illness was, there was help available to them through a psychologist on or off campus. Only a very few other students would make criticism of the spiritual lives of those who suffered. I suspect it is not much different today.

    There is a change of perspective in the leadership and, subsequently, in many of the students. The prevailing form of thinking is much further to the right which implies, to me at least, that a super-spirituality exists in more than a minority.

    I come out of an evangelical tradition (home and church) which from today’s understanding of the faith was open regarding mental illness. I can remember as a child that there were people in the church that one might have considered “odd”, but were people who had some obvious mental or other illness. I never heard anyone malign them in any way.

    To those of you who have had such difficulties in churches, I want to give you hope and encouragement to search out a faith community that will support you. We exist. Should you want some assistance in your search, please pm me. I’m happy to help in any way I can. God bless all of you. You’re in my prayer.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 2:11am
  • Jennifer ElayneI have religious Trauma Syndrome. It’s real and very much akin to PTSD. Never developed critical thinking skills. Essentially brainwashed from birth with no way to question, develop my own beliefs or think outside of the conservative, fundamental evangelical box, it ruined me. I would be a totally different person if I had been able to think and make my own decisions or even know how to do so.
    And I have been hispiatLuzed 9 times for duicide ideation or attempt ( and after I received my MA in biblical counseling under Larry Crabb at Grace Theological Seminary.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 12:04am · Edited
  • Jim RogersI would say that evangelical religion kept me “in the bubble” of unthinking. I missed the 80’s. Ok maybe that was alright but I lacked the ability to think critically, to dispell fear and to live in independent intellectual space.
    We were the “in” crowd with god and everyone else was “lost.” If i did try to peer through the walls of the bubble of religion, everything was distorted and appeared blurry. Once the bubble was popped, I began to see the beauty that I missed. Beauty in music, in science, in culture that I once called tainted.
    I do still have a “mental disease” from which I can’t completely break free. I continue to have an insatiable appetite for faith and theology. Maybe it is who I am or who I have become but at least it helps me meet minds like Brian McLaren, Michael Hardin, and Frank Schaefer who move me forward in the direction of love and peace!
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 24 at 11:45pm · Edited
  • Mark HadenMy father suffered from severe depression late in life (he only lived to mid 60s). Forty years ago, it was “unacceptable”, especially for an American male, to have this affliction or to have it “known”.
    While he grew up in a fairly strict, but conventional religious tradition, it could offer him no help with his condition, other than to imply he was “weak”.
    Your comments about fundamentalists’ response to mental illness are what interest me. I have lived more than half my 60 years in Oklahoma. Evangelicals are the majority here. The idea that mental illness is really “spiritual illness” seems to predominate. Treatment of mental illness, if it is even “real”, is not needed because, you know, there is a church on every corner. I wonder if that is why Oklahoma is #1 in untreated mental illness? Such treatment is at the bottom of the funding list. It is the first to be cut when state budgets are tight. Actually, the 90% Republican legislature now cuts taxes before the session even starts. After giving more tax breaks and passing some pro-conservative Christian only laws, maybe there will be some money left for running prisons.
    The vast majority of mental illness is untreated, and some facilities are being closed. Recently, a mentally ill man drove his car on the Capitol lawn and destroyed the Ten Commandments monument put there by the legislature a few years earlier and now the ACLU is trying to get it removed. Of course, the majority here first imagined the man was a terrorist or a radical atheist or something. He was carted off to jail, but it was so obvious he needed “help” that he actually got it. A judge has to intervene to make it happen. Turns out they guy is a believer who suffered for years and could not get treatment. Ironic, no?
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 24 at 10:33pm
  • Bruce L ThiessenEven though I’m a psychologist, my religious past has cast me into the role of wounded healer. I have struggled with depression, and much of it has been attributable to over-indoctrination, with the threat of eternal punishment as the backdrop, and the primary motivator. Fundamentalism is extremely emotionally damaging because it is fear, guilt, and shame-based, but you are told that it is based on love, so it’s the ultimate cluster f#}•¥£.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 24 at 9:58pm
  • Rick ScottAs one who grew up in an evangelical home, I was more likely to be told to “stop being so negative” or “you could be such a good student if you only tried harder” than “let’s find out why you’re so sad and having
    such a hard time in school.” The only counseling I got was Christian
    counseling until about 10 years ago, which didn’t go very well. The fix always seemed to be “get right with God and you won’t have so many problems.” So, the longer my anxiety, depression and ADHD went untreated and the worse I felt; the more I became convinced that God either didn’t care or hated me because I was trying so hard “to be good” and still struggled. Now I am actually getting treated for my mental illness.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 24 at 4:40pm
  • Russ CarmichaelBless you Frank, and your family on the Christmas. I’ll leave this subject alone, for the holiday. We have dealt with it for fifty years as a condition of the person having nothing to do with what is termed sin. For me I cannot even imagine anyone thinking mental illness is a condition of sin?
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 24 at 10:26am
  • Keith SliterI know that my anxiety issues began when my parents, who held Bible Studies in our home, would share THE DAY CHRIST CAME AGAIN. It was a slide show with accompanied vynal record about a man who wakes up and the rapture had happen. He was all alone, and knew why. I was afraid to go to sleep as a child because I was afraid that when I woke up, everyone would be gone. This is just the beginning of my story.
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 24 at 12:14pm
  • Elaine SpencerFeeling unworthy of the love of God leads to depression. In the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer (used by Methodists too) the ritual of Holy Communion reads, “Lord I am not worthy to gather the crumbs from beneath thy table”. John Calvin’s The doctrine of Total Depravity of Humanity, was very influential in Protestant doctrine. If anyone truly believes he is depraved and/or unworthy and subject to the wrath of god, is it any wonder that deep depression follows? When I realized that there is NO god of wrath and that the Divine is pure LOVE I was liberated from my childhood indoctrination. Happy Holy Days!
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 24 at 1:09pm · Edited
  • Daniel MannI had been drowning in severe depression for decades. I had five highly recommended psychologists. Each had left me worse off than I had been before. Even after coming to Christ, I suffered greatly. However, As I became convinced of the truths of the Gospel, the Lord gradually dragged me up onto dry land.
    Unlike · Reply · 2 · December 24 at 2:42pm · Edited
  • Ang DeeI was diagnosed with ptsd after my church experience at a NAR church and them lying, cheating and using me for their financial advantage after my husband, father and mother died. I was deceived into thinking they were my friends in addition to my pastors, etc.
    http://www.spiritoferror.org/…/victimized-by-the…/4054
    Victimized by the NAR: Angie’s Story
    This week I received a heart-breaking letter from a dear woman named Angie. I received her permission to share…
    spiritoferror.org
    Like · Reply · Remove Preview · Yesterday at 12:26am
  • Melanie Metz GobleI was diagnosed with anxiety and depression while in college. My first realization that I had a problem was when I contemplated suicide while in the 4th grade. I was raised in a wonderful family and have a very strong faith. My faith is what stopped me from committing suicide and slipping further into depression. After September 11th, I finally obtained help and counseling (years after my diagnosis). My family and friends, both Christian and non-Christian helped me through my problems. Many did not understand, I was often told it was “all in my head” but unless they had gone through any type of mental health issues, they did not know how to deal with my difficulities. I am thankful that it was never considered a “fault of faith” or any such thing. Mental illness is not caused by faith or lack of faith, it is biology and psychology. I will say that faith used against someone can be detrimental. In the same manner, denying somoene’s faith, or negating the importance of someone’s faith, can also cause detriment. Good luck on your blog!
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 24 at 3:38pm
  • Tom KociembaMore and more reports are coming out that DEpression has a major component of low level inflammation.
    Unlike · Reply · 1 · December 24 at 10:27am
  • Kate AbbeIn my experience the fundamentalism has been abusive. PTSD. I’m in recovery. The worst part of growing up that way was fear of hell and insistence on fear of God. The difficult part now is being shunned and ostracized by fundie family.
    Click this “Donate Now” button to support my writing about faith not being a set of ridiculous beliefs, but a way of being.   ​Thanks for your consideration and contribution.
     

    Frank Schaeffer is a writer. His latest book —WHY I AM AN ATHEIST WHO BELIEVES IN GOD: How to give love, create beauty and find peace

    Available now on Amazon

    Picture
    Follow Frank on Twitter www.twitter.com/frank_schaeffer See Frank’s paintings http://www.frankschaefferart.com/ Follow Frank on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/frank.schaeffer.16 Contact Frank at http://www.frankschaeffer.com/
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