Dear Anonymous,

In our Christian communities, I find there is a struggle to believe that mental illness truly exists and is instead reconciled as the result of demonic possession, lack of faith, or generational sin; these of course being legitimate and biblical reasons that affect a persons personality. However, throughout scripture we read of the consequences of the fall of man in which sin has entered this world, corrupted our physical bodies, (we get sick) our minds, (how we think Matthew 15:19) and brought about spiritual death (Romans 6:23).  Consequently, we are born dead in our sins and even after we accept Jesus and are filled with his spirit, we continue to live in a body and have a mind that are corrupted by sin. Therefore, I come from the school of thought that mental disorders result from biological and environmental factors which have all been marred by sin.

Personality disorders according to the DSM-IV-TR are inflexible patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate from the individuals culture. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) display great instability, major shifts in mood, and an unstable self-image and self-destructive impulsivity. BPD does not act alone as depression, substance abuse, PTSD and AD/HD are often diagnosed as well. BPD is said to be rooted in traumatic childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, abandonment, and sexual abuse. Treatment for BPD usually includes therapy and medication. Presently, anti-depressants are prescribed to help control depressive symptoms.

Lastly, I want you to know that there is hope for healing. God has and continues to heal his people whether supernaturally, through the process of sanctification, or through medication, in this case psychotropic medication. The use of medication to treat a mental disorder does not show a lack of faith in the healing power of God as does insulin for diabetes!

May we believe Jesus when he says, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

There is Hope for Healing,

Vanessa Cruz, MA, LPC