“You need to pray more…”

“There is something called demon possession…”

“It is just baby blues, you’ll be ok…”

“Just get out more…”

“Suck it up, it’s just hard being a mom…”

“The church has more important things to do…”

How many of you have heard statements like these?  Sadly, probably more than I would care to know about.    Katherine Stone at Postpartum Progress reported today about a new research study out that indicates that 32 percent of women who went to their churches for help were told they did not have a mental illness. 

Um, ok. 

Let me control myself for a moment while I scream into a pillow.

Somebody show me where in Scripture it says that mental illness does not exist?  Instead, I find so many Scriptures pointing to encouragement in times of distress, hurt, depression, and despair.

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. -Psalm 42:11

Show me in Scripture where we are to turn away those who are hurting and in need of comfort and assistance.  Instead, I find Jesus instructing us to take care of those in need.

34“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’  

37“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

 40“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ -Matthew 25:34-40 (emphasis mine)

Need I say more?

The church has a responsibility to assist moms in need.  Ladies, I encourage and implore you to be that voice.  When you are recovered, if you feel so led. be that voice and be the arms and feet of Jesus to those women in need who come after you.  Start a care ministry for new moms, educating them about PPD, and be available and known so those who are suffering know who to go to.  The possibilities are endless.  Contact me if you need further ideas!

Education & Research