Stigma: The Church and Mental-Health

A friend asked if I would be willing to write an article in the church magazine, 'Loose Leaves'. He wonders if my experience of working within the mental-health services may shed some light into people's understanding into the profession and also to help generate conversations with how the gospel interacts with those of us who are affected by depression and anxiety. Most people will know, by merely gazing at this blog that the subject of mental-health is something I hold close to my heart - both as a professional and also as someone who has had first-hand experience of depression and panic attacks!

I am almost ashamed to say this but, just as negative stigma exist in the wider society, it sadly also exists, to an extent, in the church. In my mind, this stands as a challenge to Christians: do we exist to challenge the wider society, or do we exist merely as a reflection of it? So, I agree: it would be a good idea for some of the myths that surround psychiatry to be dispelled and I think that as a church, we all need to be challenged with how we view those who do undergo depressive/anxiety states. Funny, a few months ago and on his blog, Anthony Adams asked what our perception of what 'church' looks like. Keeping in mind that the subject relates to mental-health, my answer pretty much remains the same here as it did then: "Knowing that God has forgiven me, church is a place where there is true acceptance of each other...it is a place where we can spur each other on, and in doing so, enjoy the outrageousness of His grace?!"

An article that discusses this same issue, reads,

"People with mental health problems often find themselves on the outside of society and rejected by friends. Why is this? And why this is not an option for Christians...

...It is also true that the topic of mental health has traditionally been taboo in churches. In addition to there being a general lack of understanding around this area, churches are often poor at accommodating those who differ. They tend to exclude those who, through no fault of their own, find it hard to fit into the social groups that many others benefit from. Depression, anxiety or just low self-esteem can exclude people as easily as lack of cash in their pocket or a national or language barrier."

More here.