Wednesday, January 31, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
Your Story
MATTERS
Audry Van Houweling, PMHNP
Columnist
Mental illness and
places of worship
It is estimated that one
in four Americans suffers
from some sort of mental
illness. A good number of
these individuals may lean
on their faith and place of
worship in times of distress.
While a place of worship
may provide needed refuge,
in other instances our place
of worship can also cause
shame.
There have been note-
worthy efforts among some
places of worship to rec-
ognize the prevalence and
impact of mental illness;
however, in too many oth-
ers, there continues to be a
stigma and/or discomfort
that perpetuates silence and
isolation among its mem-
bers. Even more harmful,
some places of worship
may continue to believe
notions that mental illness
is a spiritual affliction, pun-
ishment, or simply a sign of
weak faith.
When faced with a men-
tal-health condition, indi-
viduals may feel ashamed,
spiritually inadequate, and
pressured to put on a façade
of strength when possible.
Sunday mornings may be a
joyous time of social gath-
ering and worship, but it
may also be a time of social
angst, fear of judgment, and
high standards.
And then there are times
when despite our best efforts
a façade is simply not pos-
sible. Be it serious mental
illness such as schizophre-
nia or bipolar disorder,
major depression, grief, or
trauma, displaying “spiri-
tual resolve and strength”
can at times be all too
difficult.
A lack of support from
a place of worship or the
insinuation of shame to the
individual may not only
perpetuate an emotional
crisis, but may also trig-
ger a spiritual crisis, which
together feed one another
in a bi-directional struggle.
Throughout my work I have
witnessed this struggle, not
only in church members,
but also among church lead-
ers who face even greater
expectations to prevail and
remain spiritually resolute in
times of emotional distress.
As has long been the
case, mental illness is often
seen as separate or different
than what may be considered
the “physical body.” Places
of worship may not hesitate
to rally around a member
battling so-called physical
afflictions such as cancer
through prayer, visits to the
hospital, flowers, notes of
encouragement, etc. Yet,
when confronted with sui-
cide or a mental-health cri-
sis, there may be reluctance
or discomfort.
There may also be a hesi-
tation to seek treatment and
trust mental-health profes-
sionals as they may not be
adhering to the teachings
of a particular faith, yet the
same may not be true when
being treated for a ruptured
appendix, diabetes, or taking
pharmaceuticals.
It is important to recog-
nize that many places of wor-
ship have good intentions,
but may lack the understand-
ing, training, and language
necessary to empower and
support members suffering
with mental illness. Leaders
of faith are often on the front
lines when it comes to emo-
tional distress, but may feel
overwhelmed with know-
ing how to respond in a
way that both promotes the
faith, but also recognizes
the need for professional
assistance.
Ultimately, there is a
need for enhanced dialogue
about mental illness among
church leaders, congrega-
tion members, and commu-
nity professionals. Places of
worship need not be afraid
of the reality of mental ill-
ness and ideally would feel
emboldened to speak out
and provide refuge and
understanding.
7
Undoubtedly, spirituality
and a person’s core beliefs
are central to overall well-
ness and vitality. Regardless
of our spiritual devotion
however, we are all vulner-
able to the ups and downs of
life and are likely to encoun-
ter situations that transcend
our spiritual understanding.
Places of worship are in a
unique position to provide
refuge — which can begin
with the simple acknowl-
edgement that having faith
does not have to demand
that we feel well, stable, or
even optimistic.
And that is OK. Here’s to
giving each other grace.
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