I write here very little about my spirituality, because I want to make sure all who come to this site feel welcome. But I do think it’s important every now and then to reinforce the notion that postpartum depression is NOT a spiritual failing.
Dr. John Grohol over at Psych Central reported last week on a new study in which " …more than 32 percent of Christians who approached their local church for help with a personal or family member’s mental illness were told by their clergy that they did not really have a mental illness. They were told the cause of their problem was solely spiritual in nature — such as a personal sin, lack of faith or demonic involvement." These were all people, by the way, who had been officially diagnosed by a psychiatric professional. Even worse, " … women were more likely than men to have their mental disorders dismissed by the church."
UGH. It’s just not true, and it’s just not fair. Mental illness is real. Does having a strong faith help? Absolutely. Does God give you great tools to help live a more grateful and contented life? I think so. But people still get sick, and it doesn’t mean they’re possessed by "the demon". It just doesn’t.
Here’s another piece on this topic that I like called "Depression, It’s Spiritually Incorrect" from Therese Borchard at the Beyond Blue blog on BeliefNet. A highlight:
"Somehow Christians and God-fearers of all religions are programmed to believe they are "above" mental illness and depression. Faith conquers all.
Even though these devout individuals don’t feel morally weak when coming down with a stomach bug, or something more serious like a viral pneumonia or arthritis, they absolutely do feel morally bereft if anything (genes, stress, illness, trauma) disrupts the structure and function of brain cells, destroying nerve cell connections–resulting in neural roadblock to the processing of information (which happens with depression)."
Clergy could do so much to help others by educating themselves on mental illnesses and being supportive rather than placing blame. Help us access the various tools and treatments that God has blessed us with, including the church or temple or mosque, as well as therapy, medication, nutrition, exercise, support groups and whatever else helps.
Oh, Katherine! Those statistics just make me ill! And so very sad. The church needs to reach out to these hurting women rather than dismiss them or condemn them and harm them further. It hurts me so much to meet women who have experienced this.
As I have said on here before in comments, this is one of the big reasons for the purpose of the ministry I was led to start, Out of the Valley Ministries. (www.outofthevalley.org) We stress first and foremost to get medical attention and counseling, then we will encourage you and love you through Scripture and the love of Christ – NOT condemn you and tell you of deomn possession or you need to pray more or have more faith. That is horrible to tell someone. 🙁 Very harmful.
FYI – there is another ministry out there called Mental Health Ministries (www.mentalhealthministries.net) that has published a DVD to educate the faith community about PPD called Breaking the Silence. It is an incredible resource.
Oh, my! How very sad. When I was a part of a more conservative Christianity I did often encounter this attitude, though was noticing even then (about 10 years ago) a trend toward accepting psychology in the Evangelical world, which makes me hopeful. Thanks so much for posting this. As a future clergy member it's good to be reminded that I can play a role in changing this really sad reality.
I can say that, not at my current church, but at my old church, the attitude of "Jesus should be enough to comfort you," was clearly communicated to me while I was going through the worst of my postpartum symptoms. When I went on medication, you would have thought I had killed someone. There was such a stigma attached to the illness. They made me feel like I just didn't have enough faith in God, and that I needed to come to church more or trust God more, or do more work at the curch and I wouldd feel better. The fact was, they were completely clueless when it came to mental illness. After my bout with postpartum illness, I was no longer allowed to lead any ministries or bible studies. It was devastating for me. Apparently I was too unstable to lead others in their eyes. Needless to say, I don't go to that church anymore. I just could not take the emotional abuse. When we left the church, that was another blow. Friends that I had for 10 years would not return my phone calls because I was no longer a member of the church. I felt abandoned and betrayed. The very people that I trusted to help me through the rough times in my life completely shunned and rejected me. That was a really difficult time in our lives. This was no way to treat a woman suffering from a debilitating mental illness.
This is so very sad, but true. I grew up in conservative, evangelical churches and was taught that there is no such thing as mental illness. That one just needs to read their Bible more, pray more, have more faith, repent of their sins, etc. With this background it was very hard for me to admit that I had PPD and see my doctor for help. After I saw a doctor it felt like a load lifted off me, but I still couldn't help but feel ashamed. I didn't think the people at church would understand the fact I was taking medication. Those in the ministry need educating rather than passing judgement.