Comments on: Spirituality & Mental Health: Is Mental Illness Spiritual Weakness?

By: Wendy Scott

Wendy Scott — Tue, 12 May 2026 06:14:39 +0000

I will forward this to someone on our nearby Assembly. They have been dealing with one or two in the community with mental health issues. Thank you. I hope things are going well for you now!

By: Merryl Hammond

Merryl Hammond — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 02:07:29 +0000

In reply to Therese Poirier.

Wonderful insights; thanks for sharing, Therese. Concerning the term “mental illness”: I know that my choice of the word “mad” in the title of my book (“Mad Like Me”) is a bit shocking to some, but I chose it very purposefully, wanting to “claim” or “own” the historically stigmatized label. Much like members of a marginalized social group might call themselves by racist, homophobic, xenophobic etc. slurs in order to neutralize them and reduce their negative impact. Hope that makes sense?

By: Merryl Hammond

Merryl Hammond — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 02:00:27 +0000

In reply to Marlene Russell. If a family member is in denial about their diagnosis, there is little you can do except educate yourself about the signs and symptoms, and encourage them to do so too. (Reading memoirs by people with bipolar like Hornbacher [“Madness”] and myself [“Mad Like Me: Travels in Bipolar Country”] will be useful.) But if they’ve accepted the diagnosis and are refusing treatment for some reason, that’s another matter. Side effects are a real issue, but there are so many options and combinations of meds, it’s worth them working with a doctor to find a “good fit”. Meantime, please seek support for yourself as a carer: there are excellent community organizations that support family members. Good luck coping with this challenge; it's not easy, I know.

By: Therese Poirier

Therese Poirier — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 03:16:40 +0000

For years and years I’ve suffered with anxiety and very low self-esteem. I tried getting help several times; I learned a little to move forward a little. Never liked the term mental illness. I prefer a positive term. I’ve found good information on a video “The mythe of normal” by Gabor Mate, known for his treatment of addictions. I also studied Dialectical Behavior with our CHMA Family Resource Person. We can help ourselves and also learn how to respond to help others. A book by Christopher Germer on mindfulness is excellent. After many years of working on my anxiety and self-esteem I’m beginning to see myself as a self-motivated person striving to live a life of service.

By: Marlene Russell

Marlene Russell — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 20:46:59 +0000

Bipolar has been diagnosed in some family members. Those that have saught treatment are living a life in spite of the diagnosis. Why do some resist seeking any treatment? Their thoughts and delusions are difficult to live with. Why do some feel they’re fine while others follow a treatment? What is the best way to handle those who refuse treatment when their behaviour is impossible to live with? Thanks for whatever light you can shed.

By: Merryl Hammond

Merryl Hammond — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 02:22:05 +0000

In reply to Pierre Austin. Thanks for your kind and very eloquent comment, Pierre! I love your image of a bathtub filled with warm prayers. You're lucky to have a very wise wife: we all need a loved one to guide us gently when we're experiencing mental distress or illness...

By: Pierre Austin

Pierre Austin — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 01:18:04 +0000

Allah’u’abha Merryl,
Years ago, I myself tended to resist such a diagnosis and rebuke the medication. My wife reminded me about my duty as a Baha’i to obey Baha’u’llah’s teachings as regards to the help we should seek when our health is compromised. You mentionned beautiful and inspiring writings . They feed the soul even when the ‘outer being’ is weakened.
I am glad I met you in your ”good” days; my image of you in my heart is not diminishing in any way – even enhanced.
Fill a bathtub with warm prayers and immerse yourself in that rejuvenating fountain of divine grace.

By: Merryl Hammond

Merryl Hammond — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 14:31:32 +0000

In reply to Jared Boergadine.

Great question, Jared, and you’ve given me an idea for a future article! I did extensive research using the Baha’i Reference Library (https://www.bahai.org/library/) for my articles, and could find no references to specific psychiatric diagnoses like personality disorders, bipolar (or manic depression), schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. But using today’s standards, the specific disorders you mention are definitely considered to be mental disorders, and diagnosis and treatment of them are included in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) used by psychiatrists worldwide. Hope this helps?

By: Merryl Hammond

Merryl Hammond — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 14:28:57 +0000

In reply to Susan Gammage. Thanks for sharing that resource, Susan. I'll make time asap to study it!

By: Jared Boergadine

Jared Boergadine — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 20:40:38 +0000

Merryl, Have you come across anything in the writing in regards to Personality Disorders? Such as Borderline Personality, Anti Social Personality Disorders, and Narcissism? Or do you think these afflictions also fall under a Mental Disorder?