Jump Start # 1164

Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

Along with most of the world, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Robin Williams and even more that his death was from suicide. Such a wonderful talent and the best at what he did. Now behind the curtain we learn of long battles with depression and addictions. This allows us the opportunity to discuss some things that are behind our curtain. We too, can put on a good show and wear masks that hide deeper problems and cover some serious issues. Mental illness is something that has baffled me Biblically for years, and it still does. Aside from King Saul, who seemed to have lost his senses and his mind, while trying to kill David, the subject is not addressed in the Scriptures. Demon possession was not the same thing as mental illness. Demons were real spiritual creatures that were only cast out by a miraculous power. This is not the same thing. There is a hint that the apostle Paul suffered with depression. He wondered if his work with the Galatians was in “vain” or useless. He told the Corinthians that “his flesh had no rest,”  afflicted with conflicts without and fears within. The following verse tells us that God comforts the depressed and he comforted us by the sending of Titus (2 Cor 7:5-6). But this is about it. I know several that have different mental issues. I know preachers that fight depression. The suicide of Robin Williams makes us see how serious mental illness is. Someone who is successful, rich, and adorned by millions, still depressed, and still took his life.

Some thoughts for us:

1. Depression and mental illness is hard to understand, especially for those who do not have it. This is much deeper and much more serious than just “feeling the blues,” or, “being down” now and then. Depression is a deep and dark valley. It’s hard to understand. It’s hard to understand that some want to stay in bed all day, for several days. These things do not make sense to those who have never walked down that path. Our solutions are shallow and simplistic. Catchy phrases and cheap clichés are not helpful. “Turn your lemons to lemonade” may do wonders for you, it doesn’t help the person who is depressed. “Go to church,” seems logical to most of us, it doesn’t when one is depressed. I find it very difficult to know what to say, do and suggest when it comes to mental illness. It bothers me that too many, even in leadership roles in the church, do not take this seriously. Their insensitive and cold remarks only deepens and worsens the problem. Some feel unwelcomed and unwanted in congregations because of the remarks of others.

2. Mental illness is not just a faith issue. Too many who do not understand present it this way. This too only worsens matters. Now, not only does a person and the family have to deal with the depression, but they are looked upon as not being very spiritual. Now some thoughts here.

– some matters are faith connected. Fear, worry, doubt—those are lessened by a greater faith in God.

– there is a place for medication. Some mental issues are a result of chemical imbalances. We don’t have a problem taking medicine when we do not feel well physically, why should it be different mentally. Now, some in the mental health industry, pass out medicine like it was M & M’s. Pills are not the answer for all things. Pills may be necessary to calm nerves, allow some sleep, regulate moods—but pills will not solve problems. The issues that may drive a person to have troubles, will still be there, but now he may be able to face them.

– there is a place for trained help. Bootstrap psychologists, such as most preachers become, can quickly get over their heads and talk about things that they really do not understand when dealing with bipolar disorder and depression. Eating disorders, addictions and complicated mental issues are not quickly solved nor do they go away by simply reading a verse. Some of our preachers need to understand that. Patience, loving hearts and kindness must be the rule. Those that teach need to be kind and find clever ways of working with and encouraging, not discouraging those who because of mental illness want to answer every question, always raise their hands and talk out. Removing them from class is not the right approach.

– for those who do not walk down the dark valley of mental illness, it’s hard to understand why some need medication to get through the day. We don’t understand. So, be kind, as Jesus would.

3. Mental illness can take away the will to live. Suicide is hard to understand. Not wanting to live is hard to understand. Elijah wanted to die. He hid in a cave. He was not suicidal. He simply wanted God to do it. He was afraid of Jezebel. Jonah wanted to die. His reasons were different than Elijah. He was disgusted with Nineveh and didn’t want God to forgive them. He was not suicidal either. He wanted God to do it. Job’s wife told him to give up and die. Not sure what all she implied by that. He didn’t listen to her. Among us, in our congregations and in our families, may be those who do not wish to live. Their problems seem greater than they can deal with. Their problems seem greater than God. Hope is slipping away. Their dark doubts dominate them. It’s time to seek help, real help. It’s not a time for finger pointing or “I told you.” Take these things seriously and help others get help. I think some in our fellowship suffer alone because they fear being judged by others if they seek professional help. Shame on us for throwing stones. Life is precious and all avenues of help out to be sought out. There will be some among us who will have all the answers as to what Robin Williams should have done and where he made his mistakes, shame on them, they didn’t even know him. I’m sorry that it happened. It leaves his family with more questions and more guilt. All the tears in the world will not bring him back now. That is the danger of suicide. It’s a one way road. It’s permanent. It doesn’t solve the problems.

I hope those among us that are in leadership roles will take a moment and consider their approach to the depressed among them. Learn how to recognize it and consider what the Lord would want you to do.

Those of our readers who know what I am talking about, I am sorry. Why is it that some have this and others don’t? I have no answers for that. But as our verse teaches us, I can rejoice when you are rejoicing and I can weep when you are weeping.

May the Lord help you. May you continue to follow Him. Realize someday, you will be out of this valley when we are with the Lord. Our issues, problems and illnesses stay here, thankfully! May you not be ashamed to get help, real help. And when brethren say some insensitive things, just smile, if you can, and ask them to pray for you.

We shall see the King some day. For that, I am glad.

Roger