I spoke with the Pennsylvania Society of Chaplains in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on October 11, 2016 about my ministry work with mental illness, patients, and staff in 3 psychiatric hospitals for 28 years with what I call “Pneumatic Medicine.” Pneumatic Medicine is the combination of prayer with medical and psychiatric expertise. I have discovered that the power of prayer is remarkable in a psychiatric ward. Many patients have a spiritual awareness that you do not see in other hospital settings. The profound recognition of prayer and for the patients to pray for others offers healing to their minds and lives (James 5:16, “Pray for one another that you may be healed”). Though I pray for many patients, I also ask if they will pray for me. I have heard the most beautiful and caring prayers come from people who may be depressed or schizophrenic.  Sometimes I have to look up and see if this was the same person who asked for prayer. And, I have never been turned down for a prayer in 28 years in the psychiatric hospital. That is what I mean by Pneumatic Prayer—Holy Spirit inspired prayer.  #pneumaticmedicine

The stigma of mental illness is receding but needs more attention. Thanks to the efforts of famous people such as Sheila Walsh, Brook Shields, Jim Carey, and many others, we are revealing our own issues with mental illness. I have personally noticed in the churches which I have served as a pastor, that when I mention depression or mental illness in a pastoral prayer or sermon, inevitably someone calls or makes an appointment to talk with me about their struggle with manic-depressive problems or other mental health issues. #endthestigma

This is a good article. Reading it made me feel as though someone is finally saying in public what I have heard said in private far too many times over the course of my research. Shame and false guilt lead many of us to stay silent about the mental health issues which affect 1 in 4 Americans/Brits.

This article states it clearly, ‘One might assume that the Church would be at the forefront of providing resources and actively engaging those who are battling depression, anxiety and a host of mental illnesses-but this is generally not the case.’ The call to listen, help and walk with others is clear. The call to remember that, ‘given the right set of circumstances everyone is vulnerable to mental illness’ may be controversial in many of our churches, but it is a call which we are required to listen to. This is as much for the sake of those of us who are well as those of us who are not. Pam and Butch Frey’s great experience in pastoral care shines through in their clear articulation of a fundamental issue.  This is an article worth reading.

Reviewed by Deborah Joy Allan

Editor’s note: For more on Joy’s research project investigating Pentecostal/charismatics and depression, look at her blog: http://www.pentecostalsanddepression.wordpress.com