Today I came across a blog that made me sad.
Being in contact with many women like me who have bipolar disorder, there isn’t much that can shock me anymore. Suicide attempts, psychotic episodes, cries for help in the depths of depression – our online community shares the ups and downs of life with a mental illness.
Yet, this blog – titled “Is there a link between religion and mental illness?”– was the saddest thing I have read yet.
In it, the author used a range of handpicked statistics to argue that there is a correlation between religion – and in particular Christianity – and mental illness.
What followed was a flood of responses on Twitter – both attacking and supporting the author. Knowing I am a Christian, one of my Twitter followers asked me to comment.
I never want to attack another author for their opinion, but what I will say in response is this:
She is partially right.
Religion, including Christianity, has sometimes got it wrong in regards to mental illness. It is the hidden disability in many of our churches. We have wheelchair friendly ramps and toilets, but often don’t know how to reach out to those with a mental illness.
Like in many other organisations, people in churches may feel embarrassed and like they have to hide their struggle with mental illness from others. While we feel comfortable requesting prayer for other forms of illness, it is sometimes embarrassing to let others know we are struggling with depression, anxiety, hearing voices or mania.
But at the core of Christianity is Jesus.
A man who ignored social norms and reached out to those who were stigmatised. In his day, they were people with Leprosy, tax collectors and women.
Jesus’ message was in direct contrast to what religious leaders of the day were teaching. It was not a message of judgement – it was one of forgiveness, grace and hope. His followers set up the first hospitals and soup kitchens for the poor and outcast – actions which caught the attention of all around them. Of the 25 biggest charities in Australia today, 23 are Christian organisations.
Some, like this author, argue that feeling constantly feeling guilty for ‘sinning’ is causing people to become – or stay – mentally unwell. I admit that I have struggled with feelings of guilt after doing the wrong thing. I wouldn’t be human if I hadn’t. But knowing that I am loved anyway and forgiven – the slate wiped clean – gives me freedom.
When I was at my lowest point, sitting alone in the high-dependency unit of a public hospital psychiatric ward, my faith was the only thing that sustained me. Everything else: my career, my health, my appearance and even my sanity, had fallen away. To get through this time, I clung to God’s promise that He had a plan for my life, that He would give me hope and a future. It was my faith that enabled me to forgive others for what had been done for me – rather than becoming angry and bitter.
My intention here isn’t to push my faith onto anyone else.
It’s simply to encourage those who believe some mental illness is the result of guilt caused by Christianity to go beyond the Church and all its failings.
Instead of encouraging people to abandon their faith, find out more about the person at the core of Christianity. And join me in challenging churches to model his behavior – and become a place of acceptance and refuge for those of us who struggle with mental illness.
Mariska xx
Mariska is the founder of Bipolar Mums and has a passion for speaking about the hidden disability in Australian churches: mental illness. She inspires churches to reach out to and support those in their community who are struggling with a mental illness.
bipolar mums 
I can honestly say Jesus is the only reason I am still here. I have had bipolar 2 for 20plus years. I now work in ministry. People often are not taught well about God’s amazing grace. It is not that we feel the weight of our sin permanently but rather the loving relief of the forgiveness of God and which brings true freedom. His love for us is beyond belief . Out of a dysfunctional family I found real love in Jesus.
Thanks so much for your reply! I don’t have any friends or close family with bipolar, so it’s always so encouraging to hear from other women with this condition. I believe that God can use our own personal tragedies to – down the track – bring help and hope to others going through something similar. We are loved just as we are – imperfections and all. There’s nothing we can do to make Him love us more and nothing we can do to make Him love us less. What an incredible thought!
Incredible and true. Thanks for your encouraging blog!! It takes courage to write this. Well done.
Thanks for your comment Mel! After enduring a psychiatric high dependency ward six days after giving birth to my firstborn eight years ago , nothing else seems too scary! My vision for Bipolar Mums is for it to be a place where we can share openly. We’ve all been through enough with our experiences of mental illness – we shouldn’t have to fear criticism from others online.
I just love this heartfelt post. You have hit some key points right on the head. Indeed for many, when medical science says this is it, the comfort that God has a great plan for them keeps them going. And as Christians laying guilt on someone challenged with mental illness does not help. It means changing our mindset and really seeing if our theology contradicts what Jesus came to do. Keep doing what you are doing Mariska. You are a blessing.
Thanks Zoe! That’s so encouraging. I really do believe that each of us was created for a purpose. Mental illness can put a few detours in our path, but it doesn’t have to stop us from living a life of value and from being able to be a blessing to others. God bless xx
I love Jesus’ message of forgiveness. He was radical in his love and his acceptance.
He sure was. Although we sometimes don’t agree with the ‘retail outlet’ (aka the Church) – most people are still drawn to the ‘product’ – which is Christ and his teachings.
Without a doubt. Christ spoke to and of people and love, not hierarchy and structures. Honestly, I interpret his body quite broadly.