STOP THE MADDNESS

I have been thinking a lot lately about the stigma we as a people seem to place on mental illnesses and the destruction caused by this stigma.  Quite frankly it's frightening. 

I have a friend who struggled with bi-polar disorder.  He ended up taking his own life and leaving his wife and daughter without their husband/father.  I wonder if things might have turned out differently had he had the freedom to openly disclose his illness and experience the loving embrace of his Christian family.  I know this is an extreme case, but unfortunately it is not an isolated one.

What is our response when we hear that a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, even strep-throat?  Most of us as believers begin to pray, offer sympathy/empathy, get a prayer chain going, cook a meal, etc.  But what do we do when we are confronted with mental illness?  I have experienced responses on a myriad of levels.  They range from just pray and God will heal you to ignoring the problem.  Yet, with physical illnesses treatment is encouraged and accepted.

Yes, you guessed it; I have been diagnosed with a mental illness…two to be exact.  I have struggled with Attention Deficit Disorder my entire life (the phrase the psychiatrist used was "off the charts"), but last year I was diagnosed with Intermittent Explosive Disorder.  This is a disorder characterized by violent outbursts and episodes of extreme rage.  I put my family through hell and one of the reasons I didn't seek help was because of the stigma attached to mental illness…the false guilt and shame were overwhelming.  I couldn't control myself and I desperately needed some help.

Thankfully today I am taking medication and utilizing the tools I was equipped with through a month of intense therapy at the Meier Clinic in Dallas, TX.  Life in my home is more joyful and peaceful.  My wife isn't afraid of me anymore and my children seem to be a lot more relaxed.  I've got a long way to go, but I am well on my way.  All of this, because some special people in my life chose to help me and not shun me. 

All of this to say, it's time to embrace one another no matter the illness.  If we are the body, and I believe we are, then let's truly be Jesus to those we encounter.  Jesus embraced lepers, whores, crooks and mad-men.  There was no condemnation…simply love.

My hope and prayer is that those who read this one will take a moment to pray and allow Christ to change/transform their way of thinking concerning mental illness…