Introduction

Our Emotional Epidemic

A paragraph reviewing the problem is hardly necessary. If we weren’t aware of it before, in the past five years we have become aware of the problem. Friends are hospitalized, others are admitted to counseling centers (or waiting for admission), are on medication, or seeing a counselor regularly. Concerned churches and other groups are building counseling centers at a rate never seen before (did any exist 50 years ago?). Psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors are busier than ever, even though they are a higher percentage of the population than ever before. Although some of this increase in enrollment among us is a result of the availability of Bible based mentoring, along with more openness to acknowledge problems, we do recognize that we have a serious problem, both in the church and in the world - and it is increasing at an alarming rate.

While we need to face and work with the problems we have, we should also consider what may be causing this epidemic. We need not only to help people get well, but we also need to find the cause, to keep more people from emotional problems. Understanding the cause of the problem does not necessarily empower the sick person to get well, or the person with a bacterial infection would only need to study about bacteria to be cured, however, using the knowledge he can take steps toward his cure. In the same way, understanding what is causing our emotional epidemic will not cause the emotionally troubled person to just “snap out of it.” But, like studying a disease germ, it can help us all to take action toward controlling the epidemic in our homes and churches, and help us speed the recovery of those who suffer from it.

There are many causes of emotional problems, such as chemical and hormone imbalances, and other physical problems (although thought patterns can also cause chemical imbalances). I believe that some emotional illness has existed nearly as long as man has been on the earth. Yet, there is little doubt that in recent generations problems are increasing at an alarming rate. It is the cause of this increase that we are seeking to identify, and although we do not feel that the cause we identify in this article is the cause of all emotional problems, its solution may well be some benefit in nearly all cases.

Language

English

Author

Glenn Wenger

Publisher

Weaverland Mennonite Publications

Topics

Health

Thought Life

Difficulties & Suffering