One of the things about American society that continues to ignore me, especially among Christians, is the continued stigma concerning mental illnesses and depression. Yes, I know, there is much among modern psychological theory that I find I dislike from a theological standpoint - but there are also medical therapies which I dislike - and I haven't stopped going to the doctor (okay, so I haven't been to one in 8 years or so, but that's mainly due to being lazy, not any chip on my shoulder against doctors).
If my arm were damaged - I would have no problem seeing a doctor about it. No one would think I was weak - or very few. In a few years when my knees get replaced - that won't be a matter of shame. Then why is it such a matter of shame to have work done on the head?
Especially as Lutherans we ought to see no shame in this - for more than anyone we understand that our value does not reside in our own strength or power - we aren't defined by our actions but by the fact that we are Baptized into Christ. I believe I cannot by my own reason or strength. . . . And yet, the stigma remains. Tis very frustrating.
1 comment:
Yes, and since there's shame, people avoid it, and mental illness is one of those diseases that affects others significantly too--at home, at work, on the streets, in jail, and in the church. When those who are ill avoid treatment, they suffer profoundly, and others suffer with them.
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