Destigmatizing Mental Illness in the Church

Join me in imagining for a moment if you will...

Imagine that you (or perhaps a close family member) have a health issue that could present challenges in different areas of your life. Let’s say that the issue is one that is quite common and treatable, but you may need to see a specialist periodically. You are experiencing this health issue by no fault of your own...some people just have it. Maybe it’s asthma, diabetes, or perhaps an autoimmune syndrome or an allergy? Maybe you suffered a traumatic injury of some sort? Would you share this issue with others in your circle? Would you seek treatment to improve your quality of life? I’m guessing that for most of us the answer sounds something like “Well of course I would!”

Now, consider the exact same scenario, but instead of the health concern being any of the things named above, imagine that it’s a mental health issue. Would you still share with those around you? Would you still seek treatment to improve your quality of life? 

If you answered that you would not, there are likely a number of reasons. But, I would venture to guess that some part of your hesitancy would be due to the stigma associated with mental health in our culture. The conversation about mental health is becoming more prevalent (as is evidenced by the work that Woodland is doing….Way to go, Woodland!). But overall, as a culture, and as Christians, we still have a lot of work to do. In any given year, 1 in every 5 adults, and 1 in 6 children/adolescents experience a mental health issue. In the time of COVID, these statistics are likely much higher.  

Stigma refers to stereotypes, or negative views, that are attributed to a person/group whose experiences, characteristics or behaviors are seen as different from the norm. Stigma is often rooted in misinformation and fear.  Over time, stigma is internalized and can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy. Those affected may feel tainted in their identity in some way. 

But we must ask ourselves...what does the Bible say about our identity? It tells us that we are created in God’s image and that we are his masterpiece. He saw our unformed body and has ordained all of our days. He knows of our challenges and suffering, and he has plans for us. His word assures us that his plans give us a future and hope!  (Genesis 1:27; Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 139:16; Jeremiah 29:11). 

So, as Christians, how can we work to destigmatize mental illness? Here are a few thoughts:

• If you are suffering, know that you are not alone (remember..at least 1 in 5 people!). Speaking openly about your struggles opens the door not only for you to receive support, but for others to share their struggles too. Shared struggle can be an opportunity to speak truth about Christ’s love to others.
  
• Offer the gift of your presence to others. It’s okay if you don’t understand exactly what they are going through.  A spirit of loving care and a listening ear goes a long way. That being said....recognize the limits of what you can do as a friend/caregiver, and encourage people to seek professional help when appropriate.
  
• Avoid perpetuating messages that may unintentionally increase stigma in the church. Some of these might include the idea that mental illness is a sign of weakness, result of sin, lack of faith, or that the person just needs to surrender the issue to God. Of course we want to encourage folks to turn to God for help in their trials. And, we certainly want to love them through acts of service and prayer. But, it’s important that we also encourage them to seek professional help when needed.  
  
• Avoid flippant use of mental health “labels” in seemingly innocuous ways. (“I’m so ADHD...That just gave me PTSD...This mess is bothering my OCD...Don’t have a panic attack...You’re being so bipolar”). These words may seem harmless, but such statements can minimize and invalidate the trials that folks dealing with these challenges face in their daily lives.. 
  

• Similarly, remember that a person with a mental health challenge is just that...a person! Let’s not define them by their struggle. Try to use “person first language”. So, instead of calling someone an “addict” or a “schizophrenic”, consider saying that they are “a person living with an addiction” or a “person with schizophrenia”. This helps us remember that they are a whole person, created in God’s image, and their mental health struggle is just one part of their story.
  

We know that God provides comfort to the suffering and meets the needs of the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18; Psalm 145:18), and we must trust him on our journey. However, this trust doesn’t always mean waiting out a situation of suffering. Rather, it may look like taking a faith-filled step to harness resources that God has placed in your path, whether that be a counselor, friend, support group, or medication. Friends, please don’t suffer alone. Reaching out does not indicate weakness or lack of faith. Rather, getting help may provide you with healing and clarity that will allow you to experience God’s presence in your life more fully.