NatashaElizabethpatty

  Introduction In many faith communities, stories about mental health often remain unspoken. Imagine someone struggling with depression or experiencing hallucinations who finally opens up to fellow members. Instead of finding the safe and supportive space they hoped for, they are misjudged—even isolated from the very community they trusted. Rather than being embraced with compassion and told “it’s okay,” they are given ultimatums: pray harder, believe more, or even undergo an exorcism. In many places, hallucinations are automatically linked to demonic possession—a painful misconception I’ve written about in another article. Common Stigmas in Faith Communities About Mental Illness “Not praying hard enough” or “not believing enough.” Mental illness is often seen as a sign of weak faith or insufficient devotion. This creates guilt and shame rather than healing. Avoidance of community. Because of stigma, many who struggle with mental health issues become afraid to attend r...