Mental Illness, what is it from a biblical standpoint?

[Sarah78]

I have been really wondering about this lately. What does it mean for those suffering from severe mental illness, how does the Lord regard them? In other words, how can they become saved or be forgiven if their mental state keeps them in sin. This is personally related (not me) but a close member who deals with a mental condition that leaves them angry and closed off. This was an illness that was acquired by the sins of the mother. (In utero)

I want to reach out to him, but want to be prepared and I also have great compassion for these people as I have suffered with severe anxiety for the last couple of months and can understand now what it feels like to have no control over my emotions, and sometimes bad thoughts etc...despite being a Christian...

It truly breaks my heart that some people have to suffer with mental illness, instability or conditions..It is truly the worst thing anyone can ever go through..

Thanks and also I am not really in a place where I am comfortable with all this demon talk, so I hope someone may have an alternate take.

If it is demon related, what does this mean for the millions of those who suffer with mental illness such as schizophrenia, psychosis etc...Wow I don't even like typing that, it sounds sooo wrong!

God Bless!!!

Sarah

[janet walker]

I believe that mental illness is a disease of the mind, just as cancer is a disease of the organs or body. No one ask to be mentally ill and yet it affects thems just as devastating as a physical illness. I know that God loves them so much because mentally ill patients are really very vulnerable and guillable. One thing a mentally ill person wants is acceptance as a person, not as a freak or crazy person to be afraid of. I do not believe that demons rule those with a mental disease. Demons rule mean people, people without morals, people who are evil. Those people can have a strong mind and thinking process, they are just EVIL. Atruly mentally ill person have a weak sick mind at the time of the disease and their thinking process is skewed. So to me we need to love the mentally ill, listen to them and let them tell us what is going on inside of their mind and accept them. Encourage them to get help and although they will be resistant at first they can be worn down with constant offers of help and knowing they are accepted and not feared.