Church Caveat
Whether you are suffering from a mental illness or you are a family member of someone who is mentally ill, you must be cautious. There are many congregations and denominations in this country that have the misconception that mental illness is merely a "human concocted" illness to make excuses for behavior. I truly believe in the power of prayer, but if God intends to not heal you, He has a reason. Believe me I have tried.

There are numerous Bible verses that have be used and misused to this end. Some that purportedly say that mental illness is a God-given punishment! You may even be told, as I have, that my medication therapy (of which this group assumed was mind-altering or narcotic in nature) is assisting Satan's cause by keeping you from the Grace of God.
I once was in a therapy group in a hospital where a man announced his bipolar was suddenly gone because he was baptized and healed. Not a month passed by before he was readmitted, unfortunately in much worse shape than before.

I have been baptized and saved. But just like any Christians, the trials only begin at that point. In no way does being a Christian relieve you from taking meds and other measures to stay stable. How else can you focus on God?

One of the worst point of views that I have heard comes from a web site saying that people who look for help in treating a mental illness are actually undermining the gospel of Jesus "for the sake of appearing right and popular in the world's eyes." I give the author of that gem a week to live in my bipolar mind and see if he/she have a change of heart.

As in making any informed decision, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
He is Here for Us.

Dr. Gunnar Christiansen with FaithNet NAMI said that healing is the "presence of solace and a sense of wholeness, which are gifts from God." Jesus healed people, including those who were described in a way that leads scholars to believe they may have been mentally ill. He even seemed to have a special caring nature for these folks. He did not spend the majority of his time with those who well, those who really needed Him. Jesus cared deeply for every person.

It has been argued that for one to be closer to God, one must know suffering. While hanging on the cross, Jesus experienced this deep mental anguish himself as he cried out to God, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me." In His deepest despair, He still knew the ultimate God.

On more than one occasion, I was ready to die and was cursing God the whole time for allowing me to suffer so greatly. I went as far as to openly deny His existence. But once the clouds cleared, I realized something profound. For every minute I was crying to Him, cursing him and denouncing Him, I was in fact communicating with Him and Him to me. He did not leave me and, yes, I knew Him.

Remember Job? He wanted to die. His peace of mind did not occur until he was able to accept God's plan for his life.
When you are praying, pray always that He will heal you. More importantly pray that He reveals His will to you and give you the power to do His will. Never be afraid to ask God for what you need.

Irony in the Church
In reality, churches are in a unique position to be proactive in helping the mentally ill and their affected families with much needed love and support. Ironically, they tend to ignore the problem.

A United Methodist survey of more than 1,000 pastors showed that less than a third worked in churches that offered outreach programs for the mentally ill and less than ten percent had counseled a mentally ill person at least weekly. Those surveyed were more personally aware of a mental illness in their own family than in their congregation.

Laurie Lattimore, a writer for the Baptist Press wrote, "Often, churches are some of the worst offenders of perpetuating stereotypes and buying into stigma." I cannot agree more. I once reached out for spiritual guidance only to be completely ignored. My requests and calls went unanswered. I wondered if it was my openness about my bipolar condition, non-membership standing or plain fear.

I personally have been in search of what I believe now does not exist. Where are the clergy or spiritually educated counselors? You know... the ones who know and understand the bipolar brain. I find a serious lacking of training in this area within the church, even with the best of intentions.My experience has been bluntly a mixed reaction within the clergy. One of hesitancy due to lack of insight and lots of off-the-cuff advice easliy recognized.

I cannot stress enough that all denominations take more seriously their members who cannot come forth with their illness. Find them, approach them with love, and offer your services, and lend an ear. Do not fear, but just be their.God's grace will fill in the gaps.

There is much more work to be done for future generations, maybe even a cure. Inquire about starting a group or ministry at your church-I challenge you!