Mental illness and Adventists

[Restin]

One thing that troubles me is how Adventists believe that a true follower of God can not have a mental illness. Furthermore, that if one does come down with a mental problem, it is because they are not being a good enough Adventist. I know that some SDA people do have problems of a clinical severity, but feel totally alone with it due to persistent misunderstanding of members of our faith. I'm a "survivor" of a mental health problem, who knows that SDA have the best psychiatric facilities in the world, which were most intrumental in my recovery. But few know about this aspect of Adventism unless they are routed into this "underworld" by their own experience or that of a loved one. I wish so much that I could have some impact, for the sake of suffering fellow members, in how such illness is perceived by members of our church!

[Gail]

Nice to see you again, Restin!

[Jeannieb43]

One thing that troubles me is how Adventists believe that a true follower of God can not have a mental illness.

I wish so much that I could have some impact, for the sake of suffering fellow members, in how such illness is perceived by members of our church!

It's not just members of our church who misunderstand mental illness - it's almost all the population. Such a shame, too.

In just the same way as illness can invade a bodily organ or system, so illness can invade the mind. We need to treat our fellow men and women kindly, regardless of whether or not we feel they're acting appropriately in a given setting.

[Gerr]

Quote:

One thing that troubles me is how Adventists believe that a true follower of God can not have a mental illness.

A, generic, untrue statement, as written. To make it a 'true' statement the word 'some' should be used or maybe the word 'few'! I can't remember any SDA in my life that would make a statement like that, although some or a few do exist!

Agree!!!

[carolaa]

You're so right. I've seen it in and out of the church. But it's particularly sad and frustrating when people within the church family condemn or speak ignorantly and judgmentally about those situations.

[cricket]

It's not only a problem among Adventists, but also among other denominations. There are many Christians who believe mental illness is something entirely of the demonic and something from which to be delivered. These opinions are frustrating and not-at-all helpful for those who suffer with mental illness.

[Stan]

Restin

Welcome back, I was worried about you.

Perhaps, between us all, we can make a difference..

[Woody]

Quote:

One thing that troubles me is how Adventists believe that a true follower of God can not have a mental illness.

Quote:

Furthermore, that if one does come down with a mental problem, it is because they are not being a good enough Adventist.

I was not aware that this was one of the 28 fundamental beliefs of the Adventist Church. I would not like to be thrown into this blanket statement. For ... I have served as a therapist working with the mentally ill for years. I've been an Adventist all my life ... and so I resent being thrown into this accusation.

I would propose the truth is that a huge minority of SDA believe as you have accused. I would propose maybe 5% rather than 100%. I have a much more positive view of our church than you do. And I've found it is alway best to believe in the good I have witnessed rather than the bad that I fear.

I can only pray that you will have more positive experiences. I do realize that there is bad even in our church. But, hopefully you will experience the vast amount of good that is out there.

Granted ... the entire population needs education in understanding the mentally ill ... but I don't see that SDAs believe that the mentally ill can't be in the church or be a follower of Christ.

[Neil D]

Quote:

One thing that troubles me is how Adventists believe that a true follower of God can not have a mental illness.

A, generic, untrue statement, as written. To make it a 'true' statement the word 'some' should be used or maybe the word 'few'! I can't remember any SDA in my life that would make a statement like that, although some or a few do exist!

If I may put words into my friend's [CoAspen]mouth, I think this view depends upon whether you are a user of the mental health facilities OR are a provider of mental health facilities...If you are a user, then of course, the whole world seems against you...If you are a provider, you are not the one against those who need mental health....

[cricket]

I can't believe that you are all nit-picking the life out of Restin's post! Take a clue from Gail and Stan...

WELCOME HER BACK TO CLUB ADVENTIST!!!!!

[nuff sed]

Thank you Cricket....WELCOME BACK, RESTIN!

[Stan]

Her back..... and she is a most talented artist from your neck of the woods.

[Restin]

I'm pleasantly surprised by the number of responses! Okay, I will admit it isn't professional to make blanket statements. It's just that I, myself, have NEVER met an Adventist or minister that could talk intelligently about mental illness, or neurosis...particularly, mine. It was a terrible struggle but I did overcome, but all outside the church. I apologize to you on the forum who are knowledgeable or involved , such as Cricket and Stan and some others who posted. But my complaint still stands. It's so discouraging for people to just brush you off with the summarization that it's demonic and nothing you can do about it but have a miracle healing. It's like saying someone with a heart attack has no hope but prayer. yes, prayer is essential, exceedingly so, but physical and mental healing usually requires a long-term partnership with God in partaking of all the true science available in combination with the spiritual relationship. Now that I'm free from preoccupation with disorder and pain, I would like to share my recovery for encouragement to others who wonder how God fits into the picture.

Also want to thank all of you who remember me from the past! That's really wonderful. I've been absent because I had a windfall and bought some high -tech copier machines to help with my SDA church's publications and evangelism efforts. Lots to learn and do in publishing work. I'm glad to be back!

[Woody]

Quote:

I would like to share my recovery for encouragement to others who wonder how God fits into the picture.

Would love to hear much more about your recovery. It is very important to hear of your experience. Please ... feel welcome to share all you feel comfortable with. I apologize for your rough welcome or lack of. I am a Newbie and so don't know you. But, I do want to chime in with my personal welcome. I think I may have been guilty of nit pickin you. So, I am sorry. You sound like a wonderful person. Those who have overcome adversities such as a mental illness ... are people I really enjoy hearing from. I suspect that you have much wisdom we could benefit from.

So POST ON ... And ON and On .....

[Nan]

Good to see you back, Restin and I will be glad to hear of your current projects.

Your post did strike a chord - several chords - with me.

Just yesterday in the news was the report of a well known evangelical/charismatic group here - not SDA - who run a thing called Mercy Ministry where they take in young people with mental illness. There were accusations by some of their former clients that they received no medical treatment, just Bible Studies and attempts at exorcism of the demons 'causing' their problems.

Incidentally the clients were required to sign over their social welfare payments while under treatment.

Not sure this type of story does anyone any good.

[aldona]

I'm pleasantly surprised by the number of responses! Okay, I will admit it isn't professional to make blanket statements. It's just that I, myself, have NEVER met an Adventist or minister that could talk intelligently about mental illness, or neurosis...particularly, mine. It was a terrible struggle but I did overcome, but all outside the church. I apologize to you on the forum who are knowledgeable or involved , such as Cricket and Stan and some others who posted. But my complaint still stands. It's so discouraging for people to just brush you off with the summarization that it's demonic and nothing you can do about it but have a miracle healing. It's like saying someone with a heart attack has no hope but prayer. yes, prayer is essential, exceedingly so, but physical and mental healing usually requires a long-term partnership with God in partaking of all the true science available in combination with the spiritual relationship. Now that I'm free from preoccupation with disorder and pain, I would like to share my recovery for encouragement to others who wonder how God fits into the picture.

Also want to thank all of you who remember me from the past! That's really wonderful. I've been absent because I had a windfall and bought some high -tech copier machines to help with my SDA church's publications and evangelism efforts. Lots to learn and do in publishing work. I'm glad to be back!

As another person who has struggled with mental illness and won (depression in my case), I would just like to agree with every word you are saying.

All of the help I received which finally did help, came from outside the church. Everybody I approached for help within the church, whether lay or pastor, only prolonged the pain by dissuading me from seeking real help, while all the time implying that this must be happening because I'm either being attacked by demons or because I'm not a good enough Christian and don't have enough faith.

Not just the SDA church, but it seems the whole Christian religion, just has no clue when it comes to mental illness.

This is very topical in Australia at the moment, as there has been a big news story about a Christian ministry "treating" mentally ill young women with exorcism and prayer.

They sought help, but got exorcism and the Bible

They prayed to cast Satan from my body

I think these two articles are compulsory reading.

aldona

[John317]

My father was involved for many years in what some call the Warfare Ministry and wrote about 6 books on the subject under the pseudonym, Vaughn Allen. One of the first things anyone dealing with this needs to realize is that it is neither safe nor right to assume that anyone can determine that someone else is demon possessed. That is something that the person with the problem must decide. And, as mentioned on this thread already, there are all kinds of other reasons that are possible explanations for a person's exhibition of certain symptoms. It's dangerous and can be extremely harmful when this is not understood.

[cricket]

One of the first things anyone dealing with this needs to realize is that it is neither safe nor right to assume that anyone can determine that someone else is demon possessed. That is something that the person with the problem must decide.

Quoting the above, simply because it bears repeating! Another thought that comes to mind is that whatever that person decides, the approach to help that person--if it is to be an effective aid--must fit that decision and not go against it.

[cricket]

I appreciate this, CoAspen. However, I do know that if it were I that was returning to this forum after an extended leave of absence, I'd be turned off to participating more if my post were scrutinized right from the start. It was just my view on it. I apologize if I offended you, or anyone, by the things I said.

[Neil D]

[Whispering to CoAspen]

I saw what you wrote and saw a hole...I knew you well enough that I thought I had better ..um...cover your 6...so to speak....

And it was no problem...

[Woody]

I appreciate this, CoAspen. However, I do know that if it were I that was returning to this forum after an extended leave of absence, I'd be turned off to participating more if my post were scrutinized right from the start. It was just my view on it.

I think you view and point is well taken.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

However, I do know that if it were I that was returning to this forum after an extended leave of absence, I'd be turned off to participating more if my post were scrutinized right from the start.

I agree with you also, Cricket.

But I also agree with CoAspen that there are numerous SDA's who show compassion toward those with mental illness. Unfortunately it is also a hot topic for gossip in some circles, and when the patient finds that out, and he/she eventually does, it is like a being given a poison.....and you wonder who your friends really are...

[cricket]

Agreed on all counts then! :)

[JeriAnne]

I can only speak from my experience so hope it doesn't appear as a generalization.

Shame of any sort is difficult for church members of ANY church to deal with. It tugs at the reason so many turn to religion and is often confused with sin in a persons life. I made many, many walks down long aisles to lay my "sin" at the feet of Jesus only to walk away without any lessening of my shame! I wrote a song with the following as the chorus! This chorus became a mocking condemnation of ALL I was and was what I felt far too often in the community of church.

Quote:

You Feel Shame, Well Shame on you! Jesus died on the Cross for you. Just Claim HIS BLOOD for all your sin and He will make you white AGAIN!

There has to be something more that happens when you carry shame around. There has to be an unveiling of the source of the shame, and some action to give that shame back to the one who placed it on the innocent heart. This action is often symbolic but is reguired for healing to begin! If the Shame comes from ones own choices then there is forgiveness to recieved. And In time the shame put on us by others will find healing forgiveness. But little of this takes place with one walk to the altar! For many it begins there though. But many other steps lead to healing!

[Amelia]

Hey Rudy,

I love this smiley I will add this to the forum when I get home from work.