Mental Illness: Misuse of Faith Healing

A 16-year-old boy in Oregon died of a treatable urinary tract condition after he refused medical help, believing prayer would heal his illness. (June 19, 2008; Finding Dulcinea)  An 11-year-old girl died in Wisconsin from undiagnosed diabetes because the mother believed in praying instead of seeking medical attention.  (Saturday, May 16, 2009; Associated Press).

One myth associated with mental illness is believing “faith, prayer and blessings” alone is all that is required for complete recovery.  Some believe the cure for serious mental illness is to simply pray harder, to attend church more regularly, and to study the scriptures with more intent.  They assume the use of outside medical, professional and support resources are a sign of “weakness” and are not necessary.  It’s been my experience, individuals that believe this way suffer needlessly and at times take their own lives!

Recently, I taught about depression at Women’s Conference at BYU.  A few days after my presentation, I received a phone call from a 35 year-old female who attended my lecture.  She was married in the temple and had a couple of kids.  She was calling me from her bedroom closet! (I’ve received more than one call from a closet over the years.)

She was in the depths of depression.  She was tearful, distressed, and talking of how she might end her life.  Her statements to me were “I can’t go on like this. I’ve tried everything….” She went on to describe the “everything” she had attempted to do over the years to deal with her mental illness “Prayer… reading the scriptures… going to the temple… even going to Women’s Conference!” The result, her depression had only worsened.

Image Source: Richard Masoner

I listened to her horrific life story. She felt deserted by God and deprived of His love, and longed to die….  I asked if she had sought any outside medical help, she said emphatically “No!”  Recognizing the situation as life threatening I asserted myself.  I told her to get out of her closet and get a phone book.  I informed her “Hiding in a closet was no way for a child of God to act!”

Together over the phone we located names and phone numbers of a doctor to perform a thorough physical examination and a therapist to begin professional counseling.  As a psychologist I thought to myself, there is no reason this young lady needed to continue to suffer.

Elder Alexander Morrison explains the belief that

“… All that people with mental illness need is a priesthood blessing” is indeed a myth.  We must understand, however, without in any way denigrating the unique role of priesthood blessings, that ecclesiastical leaders are spiritual leaders and not mental health professionals.  Most of them lack the professional skills and training to deal effectively with deep-seated mental illnesses and are well advised to seek competent professional assistance for those in their charge who are in need of it.  Remember that God has given us wondrous knowledge and technology that can help us overcome grievous problems such as mental illness.   Just as we would not hesitate to consult a physician about medical problems such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, so too we should not hesitate to obtain medical and other appropriate professional assistance in dealing with mental illness…. (“Myths about Mental Illness,” Ensign, Oct 2005).

I’m convinced, God doesn’t need a psychiatrist, but some of His saints do!  And apparently so does the Church.  The last time I checked LDS Family  Service was providing mental health clinical services in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and eight countries.

dr. rick
PRINCIPLE: Increasing our understanding of mental illness helps us reach out with love and compassion

Links for additional information:
• Myths about Mental Illness by Elder Alexander B. Morrison from Ensign, Oct 2005

• Mental Illness: Myths and Facts at Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)