I will show you that mental illness is not a life sentence - reflections from a Christian Psychiatrist
The following is an excerpt from the book Navigating Your Path Through Mental Illness by Dr. Steven Rice
It’s no wonder that, with all the stigma attached to seeing a mental health professional, many people delay or never get needed help. For instance, people with major depression or anxiety disorders often focus on physical symptoms as a “ticket” to health care. The mental illness can slip through the cracks; they see their primary care doctor or advanced practice professional for pain or tiredness. This avoidance of mental issues can lead to more difficult problems, not only for the person, but also for his family and friends. The reason people avoid seeking help may be due to the societal stigma. I will address this stigma in detail.
Amazon release date November 11, 2023
In my practice as a psychiatrist, on a good note, I have seen many astounding results in the healing of people with mental illness. Many case histories that I share in this book illustrate these positive outcomes. You will also learn about how Biblical characters suffered with mental illness. You will see examples from my practice and from Biblical characters that show mental illness can be helped and people can move on with their lives. There is hope. Mental illness does not have to be a life sentence.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness or peril, or sword?” Romans 8:35
What is different in my approach and different about this book? What is the different ingredient? The idea to write this book came after I noticed that patients with mental illness and addiction became strong in their faith in God during their journey with the illness. This book is the result of years of applying Biblical principles to treatments and observing patients making a connection between suffering with their illness and the work of God in their lives. Many have said that without God, they would have died. This is a fascinating discovery, and it fits the promises in the Bible.
This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.’” (Matthew 8:17)
I advocate sound medical diagnosis and treatment. I advocate psychotherapy to help you heal. I will also provide hope through the examples of real patients and the ways in which their mental illnesses have led to amazing positive results. This book will incorporate a Biblical worldview into a traditional medical model of health care.
In this book, I will also consider the principle that people who suffer are often open to the love of Christ in a way that they were not during less stressful times.
I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:12-13)
While this is true of all forms of illness, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and social and economic difficulties, I will focus on this idea as it applies to mental illness. I will show you that mental illness is not a life sentence. Healing comes through brain chemistry, psychotherapy, and even supernatural aid. The healing helps you find a deeper relationship with friends, with family, and with our Creator.
This book contains some humor, because it is “like a medicine”: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones. (Proverbs 17:22) Although the subject matter is serious by nature, humor is a mode of healing and staying healthy.
It is my desire that this book will encourage, enlighten, and give hope to anyone encountering mental illness in their life.
