Mental health and spirituality

The Mental Health Initiative (MHI) of the Suburban Vicariate has prepared a series of articles for Mental Health Awareness Month. This article, the final of the series, is by Fr Hasely King O Carm, Vicar of the Suburban Vicariate, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He is also a MHI team member.

“Father, my teenage son is giving us a lot of problems. I don’t know if he is demon possessed or going crazy.” These were Mr Daddy’s words in my office while his son sat quietly and pensively, perhaps also wondering what was happening to him. Is it spiritual? Is it psychological? Is it both?

It is important to note that Psychology speaks to the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural well-being of a person, whereas Catholic spirituality is geared towards union with God and eternal salvation.

While the two disciplines may not be mutually exclusive the above distinction is important to note for an insight into a presenting concern.

In our Catholic Christian tradition, before we consider demonic possession, our Church requires a thorough investigation that dismisses medical or psychological disorders (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1673). After this is verified, a discernment by a trained exorcist appointed by the archbishop has the authority to discern true possession and perform the rite (Canon #1172).

So that, one approach to Mr Daddy’s concern is, after praying with his son who may need further assistance, point them in the direction of people who are involved in deliverance ministry (which is not exorcism).

Usually, people who are involved in deliverance ministry would be able to discern whether an exorcist is necessary. A simultaneous approach is having a conversation with each person, i.e., Mr Daddy and Mr Daddy’s son.

In the preliminary stages of a therapeutic conversation, the exploration of the psychological, social, and biological factors is important. It was in conversation with Mr Daddy’s son that it was discovered that his parents were going through a divorce of which they believed he was unaware. In conversation it was assessed that he was struggling at school and his grades were awful.

It was also, in conversation, that Mr Daddy’s son revealed that he was being punished by God because he had a same-sex attraction. The stressors that this teenager was experiencing were a major source of his ‘giving us a lot of problems’.

It is clear in this instance, that the teenager wanted to have a deep relationship with God while navigating the tensions of everyday life. Reference the first article of this series (May 4 CN), ‘Deepening emotional connection in relationships’ where Amanda Thomas addressed similar challenges and presented solutions which could be applied to help this teenager with his relational growth.

Similarly, Dr Elizabeth King-Oliver’s piece (May 11 CN), on ‘Informal caregivers’ challenges with mental health issues,’ provides good direction for Mr Daddy in his efforts to provide his son with support.

It is important to be aware of the legal processes in cases like these and other similar situations. Attorney-at-Law and a Director with the MHI, Vaughn Thomas,

expounded on the legalities of these scenarios in his May 18 article ‘Mental Health and the Law’. This becomes especially relevant as the parents in this case were getting divorced.

Any type of break in a relationship causes tension. Tension finds its way into our lives, not only through difficult relationships, but from many other aspects.

My view is that God continues to speak to us in many and varied ways in real and everyday experiences. Sometimes the stresses of life are so acute that we may need someone to journey with us in prayer and otherwise.

The MHI is a resource for those who are experiencing stress, difficulty in marriage, mild depression, or other mental and emotional challenges, to find professional help.

We are a community of believers who are called to use our time, talent, and treasure for the building up of the kingdom of God. We, the MHI members, a group of mental health professionals, intend to use our gifts to journey with you when needed.

After several therapeutic sessions with Mr Daddy’s son, these were Mr Daddy’s words: “I have come to realise my son has many issues that he is grappling with at the moment but with God’s grace we will be victorious.”

Please contact the MHI at 784-9384 and let us assist you if further support is required.