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Eden Anderson replied to the topic Mental Illness/Disorders In Christian Fiction in the forum General Writing Discussions 6 years, 7 months ago
@sarah-inkdragon Hey, that’s okay. 😀
However, I’d argue that things like PTSD and trauma are different than depression this aspect because they deal mostly with legitimate, real fears that were caused by real events, which is where I’d also say they differ from anxiety which(don’t quote me on this, pure my opinion) in my experience, deals more with fear about possibilities rather than things that have already happened. And due to that, I think the PTSD and trauma/etc. are probably more on the survival aspect of mental illnesses, rather than on the “self” side like depression/etc.I don’t really agree with this. Even mental illnesses that aren’t caused by trauma are still legitimate. Anxiety (which isn’t considered a mental disorder, so technically doesn’t enter into this conversation) and depression are legitimate and I don’t think it’s true to say that they are all “self” based.
So, basically do you believe that if people have enough faith or trust in God they won’t have mental illnesses?
@ericawordsmith Aww, that’s so exciting! Hope college continues to go amazing! 😍
And hey, that’s okay, completely understand. ❤️
@taylorclogston Thanks for your thoughts!
Many Christians share this view, or one like it, that mental illness isn’t real and is purely a heart issue. For example, anxiety is seen as a failure to fully rely on God, and depression as wallowing in ungodly thoughts and laziness.I find that so sad.
At the end of the day, I wonder if Christian opposition to the idea of mental illness is more a matter of laziness (just throw a “God heals everything” sticker on it) or of an attachment to free will (God wouldn’t let us lose control of our love for what is good).That is really interesting. I never really thought of it that way but that makes a lot of sense.
Do you think Christian fiction could combat this problem?
*whispers* Thank you. 😉
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