stigma

MENTAL ILLNESS REALITIES

(March 10, 2021) Dr Jim McClure, straight-shooting theologian, shares on a very real issue…

A troubled Christian asked for help, saying ‘I’ve been diagnosed with mental illness and am frightened to tell my very “religious” Christian friends.’

Interestingly I immediately recalled the sad death of Robin Williams death at the age of 63.

For nearly 40 years Williams’ unique brand of humour brought much joy to millions of people, but he suffered from depression that led him finally to take his own life.

Many people in all walks of life suffer from that same debilitating illness of depression which takes from the sufferer the ability freely to live to his or her potential, and, sadly, many respond to the burden of this mental illness by taking the same route as Robin Williams.

A crushing illness
I have a psychiatrist friend whom I asked one day, ‘Why have you followed this particular medical specialty of mental illness when you are fully qualified to work in another?’ He replied with some vehemence, ‘Because I hate this illness!’

When I then asked him why he felt so strongly about it, he replied, ‘Because when people suffer other illnesses they want to live, but many who suffer mental illness want to die!’ (more…)

CHURCHES MUST REACH OUT TO THOSE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION, BI-POLAR DISORDER AND SCHIZOPHRENIA

Michael IrelandMichael Ireland, ASSIST Senior Reporter, shares…

Pastor Rick and Kay Warren launched Saddleback Church‘s second Gathering on Mental Health and the Church October 8/9 with a call for faith communities to take the lead in caring for those with mental illnesses.

According to the Christian Examiner in the opening session of the conference, Rick Warren, Saddleback’s founding pastor, argued the church has a biblical, historical and practical responsibility to make a priority of caring for those with mental illnesses. (more…)