1. A Christian Approach to Mental Health

2. 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

3. 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...

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.