Can a Christian have a mental illness?

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darkstar33

New member
I'm a born again Christian but I have problems with getting depressed and having obsessive thoughts that I worry over. I've prayed, I've went to church, I've read some of the Bible but I still have to take medications for my mental illness. The thing that upsets me my Christian friends think that I'm not doing enough reading the Bible or praying. Also I was giving a book The Battlefield of the mind by a Christian author. I read some of it and was angry cause I feel Christians believe in what can't be seen and yet mental illness is unseen and yet its a spiritual problem with evil spirits. Yet is a evil spirit keeping you in the wheelchair cause you have no legs. The answer is no its cause you have no legs. Christians can see the reason for a physical problem but a mental illness, its a spiritual problem.
 
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worldwidesurprise

New member
i've personally devoted my entire life to do just that. i'm studying psychology and 90% of all social disorders are manifested in religion. hallucinations? delusions? schizophrenia? religion?

religion = schizophrenia?

schizophrenia = religion?

THIS MY GOAL IN LIFE. TO MAKE MONEY OFF RELIGIOUS PEOPLE
 
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HairyClam

New member
Yes, a Christian can have a mental illness - it's diagnosed by a professional, not by your pastor, best friend, or yourself.
That's why when you go to the doctor, you don't have a religious sermon given to you - it's strictly a medicinal visit.

Mental illnesses are caused by hormonal imbalances, genetic defects in the brain, chromosomal syndromes, and other chemical irregularities in your body. Very seldom is an emotional problem a spiritual problem. You need to take care of your body as much as you need to take care of your soul.

Go see a doctor.

Tell your friends that. God takes care of your soul - you're entrusted to take care of your body, and of your mind. This is how you take initiative in God's healing, by relying on people he's blessed with the knowledge to diagnose problems and to prescribe medications that work.
 
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DwightS

New member
Religion doesn't enter into it. I'm a spiritual person, not religious per se, but I've never fell for the hokum that 'religion cures all'. That's only true if God is in your corner. What if He isn't? Maybe someone with more immediate needs is getting His attention...

The point is, your religion doesn't matter. Nor does your gender or skin color. If you're human, you can be a victim of mental illness. Try talking to a professional, either medical or psychological, about your depression, and remain optimistic. Good luck.
 
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Frankie

Member
I had a friend who was adamant, for many years, that a Christian could not suffer from depression. She always felt that the person was not living for Jesus correctly if they were depressed. This went on UNTIL her husband began to suffer from depression.

She had the grace to admit that she had been wrong for all those years.

All afflictions known to man 'can' attack Christians. It is how we handle them that makes the difference.

Your critical friends should be the ones helping you here. They should be praying for you but they should also be helping practically by taking on some of your chores which you possibly find difficult at this time. A mental problem (however mild) can also affect us physically, even if it only drains our energy. We need good friends at these times and with the physical help there often comes relief from the mental problem.

Your friends have the opinions that they have simply because they have not been there.In other words, they are ignorant about this particular issue. If they ever find themselves in your position, as my friend did, they will soon 'change their tune'. I hope that this episode in your life will pass and I will pray about it also.
 
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endavis02

New member
You have depression BECAUSE you are Christian. Religion is a mental illness. If you believe God is talking to you and a lot of people believe what you say, then you are called a prophet. But if you believe God is talking to you and no one believes what you say, then they call you schizophrenic. The only difference between faith and mental illness is the number of people that share the same delusion.

If you hear the voices in your head, understand that it's only in your head. There are no evil spirits or angels talking to you. It is the internal dialogue of the two hemispheres of the neocortex you are hearing.
 
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mNinom

New member
Isn't all religion based on a mental condition?
After all, there is no evidence that religion is nothing more than a delusion....
 
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MrzBoopie

New member
Yes. = ) and I have that book the battelfield of the mind. Don't let people tell you you aren't Christian enough because you have a mental illness. Just pray for everything! and give thanks to God as if He has already awnsered your prayers! It happens to everyone, most people are just good at hiding it because they are ashamed or feel that people will think they are doing somthing wrong and that God is punishing them, but its not true! Satan has a hold on you! Keep praying and reading the word of God and taking your medicine. Satan doesn't stand a chance!

Philippians 4:6 (New International Version)
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (New International Version)
13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
 
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Barabas

New member
that is pretty much the reason for religion. A way to explain the scary things they cannot see so that they can sleep at night.
 
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