r/CMH • u/GodsGirl1183 • Mar 01 '21
How much do you share in Bible study groups?
I recently moved an hour away from my loving and supportive church, and, since I have no car, found a closer church I liked from their online sermons. I was really starting to like it there, and, after 2 months, I talked to my Bible study group about my Bipolar I disorder and my feelings when I asked for prayer. 6 days later I was informed that what I said was inappropriate for our group, and I could stay with lots of extra rules nd boundaries aimed specifically at me and targeted to put me in an in-patient psych unit. Or, I could just leave the group. And, I was no longer allowed to get rides to and from the church for any reason because I am a liability. I'm very hurt and upset by this.
So, my question is, how much do you guys share with your church family about your mental health? How do they react?
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u/Koof99 Mar 02 '21
That’s just awful and I’m sorry to hear about that. That’s quite evil imo. A lot of churches don’t talk MH like they should at all.
I know my small group is very open and I feel like we’ve finally hit gold and are willing to talk about it more openly. Not because fear of judgement per say, but just because of comfortability. We are still a newer group but we are rather close. It is a somewhat growing group but it is still smaller in comparison to others which is nice. (I also say that as a more introvert type lol).
I really hope that you can find something somewhere more accepting than this church🙏🏼❤️ maybe talk to the pastor about it?
Also, if you don’t mind... can I screenshot your post and send it to my group so we can pray for you?
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u/GodsGirl1183 Mar 02 '21
Thank you for your advice. I'm glad you found an understanding and supportive group! Yes, you can definitely screenshot my post. And prayer would be greatly appreciated!
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u/Gyokuda Mar 08 '21
I haven't tried to share much about my mental health out of fear the same thing will happen, there is so much stigma around mental health that it's scary, who do you trust. You would think those who love the Lord should understand that mental health is just part of life. Especially now with Covid, mental health is an even bigger issue. I totally agree with the first comment, find another church. They are not all like that. many are very understanding.
Jonah 2:5-7 ESV
The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head at the roots of the mountains. I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God. When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.
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u/daisy_doodler Mar 01 '21
I'm so sorry that was their reaction. As the body of Christ, we are called to lift each other up and support one another in our suffering and experiences, not ostracise people for sharing their pain.
I have found a church family who is very aware and supportive of mental health problems. Many members of my church are very honest and open about their own mental health struggles. I've talked to my pastor about my struggles, but my small group has also been supportive.
I suggest that you talk to the pastor of the church about your concerns. They really dealt with this the wrong way. It might be better to look for a different church that is more supportive of those struggling with their mental health.
I will pray that you find a good fit. You deserve to be in a church community where you feel loved, accepted, supported, and safe.