I was baptized in the LDS church about ten years ago, but became inactive and removed my name from the records. About five years ago, I became active again and set a date for baptism, but fell away again before I was baptized. In the interim, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which is the main reason I have found it so hard to remain true to the faith. I long with all my heart to become active again, but am afraid that I will only end up falling away again due to my mental instability. I have joined and quit many other religions over the past twenty years during manic/depressive episodes and regret all the people I’ve hurt in the process. What do you think I should do? I haven’t told anyone, not even family, about my diagnosis, so it is scary for me to think about disclosing this information to people in the church. I’m afraid they will look down upon me or judge me for being mentally ill. Thank you so much for your help. I greatly appreciate your support and guidance.
2 Responses to “I was baptized in the LDS church about ten years ago, but be…”
Luciano Santana
2010-06-26 19:16:31
Hi friend. I'm happy you visited my website to ask your question. I'm a medical student, so I know a bit about bipolar disorder and how devastating it can be. Fortunately, now that you have a diagnosis, your life will likely become far more stable. The medicines available for bipolar disorder can have a huge impact on patients' lives. I think now would be a great time to return to the Church.
If I understand you correctly, you're concerned that your mental instability will lead you back to inactivity, perhaps because some of the behavior often associated with bipolar disorder is not compatible with church membership. I think God will be more merciful of our shortcomings than we imagine. Are people with bipolar disorder responsible for their actions? Certainly there is a degree of responsibility. Patients can choose to take the medication needed to control the disorder, for example. On the other hand, it is certainly true that the degree of responsibility during manic episodes is diminished, as self-control is lost. Regardless, repentance is always, always possible. If you should sin, there's no need to leave the church. Through repentance, all spiritual blessings can be restored.
I understand your reluctance to tell others about your condition. It's unfortunate that mental illness is so stigmatized in our society. The truth is, mental illness is just as organic a condition as diabetes or high blood pressure, but many mistakenly see it as a sign of personal weakness. I do think you should share your diagnosis with some of your closest family members, however. You need and deserve their support during these difficult times.
A missionary hugging a bishop in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.
Having bipolar disorder is not a sin, so there's no need to confess it to your bishop. There's also no need for the other members of your congregation to know about your condition. You may choose to share your diagnosis with your bishop, who can again offer social support, but you shouldn't feel obligated to share if you're not comfortable. If you have a manic episode that requires confession, it may be helpful to tell your bishop about your condition so he can better understand your degree of responsibility; however, even in the case of confession, you don't need to mention your bipolar disorder if you don't want to.
I hope these comments help. Remember always that God just requires us to try our best. He knows we'll fail; that's why he sent His Son to atone for our sins. I'm certain that Christ's atonement covers the challenges you face as well. God bless.
Anonymous
2010-07-08 03:06:39
You are a loved child of our Father in Heaven not mater what you have been diagnosed with. Return to the church your Father in Heaven will always love you and guide you. Read the Book of Mormon and there you will find your answer pray for it
If I understand you correctly, you're concerned that your mental instability will lead you back to inactivity, perhaps because some of the behavior often associated with bipolar disorder is not compatible with church membership. I think God will be more merciful of our shortcomings than we imagine. Are people with bipolar disorder responsible for their actions? Certainly there is a degree of responsibility. Patients can choose to take the medication needed to control the disorder, for example. On the other hand, it is certainly true that the degree of responsibility during manic episodes is diminished, as self-control is lost. Regardless, repentance is always, always possible. If you should sin, there's no need to leave the church. Through repentance, all spiritual blessings can be restored.
I understand your reluctance to tell others about your condition. It's unfortunate that mental illness is so stigmatized in our society. The truth is, mental illness is just as organic a condition as diabetes or high blood pressure, but many mistakenly see it as a sign of personal weakness. I do think you should share your diagnosis with some of your closest family members, however. You need and deserve their support during these difficult times.
I hope these comments help. Remember always that God just requires us to try our best. He knows we'll fail; that's why he sent His Son to atone for our sins. I'm certain that Christ's atonement covers the challenges you face as well. God bless.