Mental Health and the Church

Recent studies indicate that mental illness affects at least one of four families in the US. Unfortunately, great stigmas against people who suffer from mental health issues persist throughout our society and in many of our churches. Most major Christian and Jewish denominations have published resolutions that oppose this discrimination. Before we look at the positions of our own United Methodist Church, let’s first consider a few facts about mental health.
How common are mental health issues? (data from NAMI and CMHS)
· At any given moment more than 48 million Americans are suffering from a "diagnosable" mental illness, and 11 million are suffering from a "severe" mental illness.
· 20.4% of all people suffer from a mood disorder at some point in their lives.
· 14.8 million adults suffer from major depression
· 5.7 million suffer from bipolar illness
· 2.4 million suffer from schizophrenia
· 6 million suffer from anxiety or panic disorder
Are these illnesses treatable? A team approach using the skills of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers will allow most people with mental illness to be members of the community. Treatment options are available for virtually all of these conditions.
Can people with mental health issues contribute? Many people with mental illness are productive members of the community. Unemployment is a serious concern among those with severe mental illness such as severe schizophrenia, but many people under treatment are capable of working or volunteering.
Are those with mental health issues at fault for their illnesses? Causes of most metal illnesses are not completely understood, but there are genetic and environmental factors. Mental illness is not a personal failing. More and more mental illnesses have been traced to chemical and structural changes in the brain. The distinction between mental and physical illnesses is therefore somewhat artificial.

What does the United Methodist Book of Discipline say about Mental Health Issues? “We recognize , embrace, and affirm the full humanity and personhood of all individuals with mental, physical, developmental, neurological, and psychological conditions or disabilities as full members of the family of God. We also affirm their rightful place in both church and society.” BOD ¶162.
What does the United Methodist Book of Resolutions say about Mental Health Issues? “The mission to bring all persons into a community of love is central to the teachings of Christ. We gather as congregations in witness to that mission, welcoming and nurturing those who assemble with us. Yet we confess that in our humanity we have sometimes failed to minister in love to persons and families with mental illness. We have allowed barriers of ignorance, fear, and pride to separate us from those who most need our love and the nurturing support of our community. To support United Methodist congregations to reach out to persons and families with mental illness, the General Board of Church and Society established the United Methodist Mental Illness Network of “Caring Communities,” congregations and communities in covenant relationship with persons and families with mental illness.” BOR #3302.
Religious communities are in a unique position to combat stigma and provide a message of acceptance and hope. Proclaiming the values of social justice, respect for all persons, and non-discrimination, faith communities can reach out to individuals and families affected by mental illness in many helpful ways. Sharing the message that all persons are worthy in the eyes of God, a faith community may be the only place where a person with a mental illness truly feels accepted, valued, and loved.