A Christian Approach to Mental Health

Starts with love Psychological suffering more profound, strikes at the core of our being. Anxiety and depression are the bottom line in suffering Psychotic illness undermines the foundations of existence leaving us in a world that is unpredictable and terrifying Add social stigma Remove sympathy and understanding Jesus responds with love and compassion

BUT WHY ? Christianity not always helpful Biopsychosocial model in medical science, complex but ignores spiritual dimension Christians not exempt from illness, though mental health above average Kingdom of God “ Inaugurated but not yet consummated” ( N.T.Wright) Nothing in the deal that says Christians won’t get ill...

So What is the relationship between MH and the Enemy’s Activities ? Luke 3v38 “Adam the son of God” Psychological issues separation anxiety due to estrangement from Father God Born damaged into a damaging world” Sinful behaviour towards each other Direct psychological attack: accusation/condemnation/despair Exploiting any problem we encounter Demonic activity eg Gadarene demoniac – also applies to physical health and both commonly arise without demonic involvement

So how do you tell demonic from psychotic illness? Forced dichotomy mind vs body or mind vs spirit not biblical Spiritual influences good or bad cause physical and psychological effects Humans corporeal beings : we only become angels in Disneyanity! Demons manifest when forced to by Kingdom power Phenomology: Discernment of Spirits Voice inappropriate type/location/lip synch Content of speech “what do you want with us” Extreme physical strength Non-epileptiform convulsions

Treatment Issues But what about Psychothapys ? Biological component may need pharmacological approach as any other illness But what about Psychothapys ? Fear of faith being undermined NHS predominantly cognitive/cognitive behavioural Philosophically fairly neutral, therapists taught to respect clients belief system Cognitive approach not inconsistent with “be transformed by the renewing of your mind “ or “the truth shall set you free” cf Freedom in Christ Secular therapy can give insight but lacks power of Jesus to heal and redeem the past.