Blessings,
Bjorn

I grew up in a Christian church. I watched many people on their knees at the altar sobbing while begging forgiveness for their sins. I watched many people spit, scream, roll on the floor, drool, hit people etc while having *demons* cast out of them. It seems, from my experiences, that mental illness and Christianity go hand in hand.

My point… I have found in my community the vast majority of Pagans grew up in Christian homes. Studies have proven that any kind of abuse can cause changes in the brain. The hippocampus can shrink causing mental illnesses or other parts of the brain can enlarge. Although I was predisposed to Bipolar disorder, it may have lay dormant throughout my life. However, the abuse was the key which unlocked the monster. Not saying that all Bipolars were abused, by any stretch of the imagination. But I do attend a BP support group and the majority were abused. Probably even more but didn’t feel comfortable admitting it. Research is now finding that the majority of Bipolar Disorder is people who have a history of child abuse as well as the genetic factor… as with many other mental illness, whether they be axis one (clinical disorders) or axis two (personality disorders) (DSM).

So what happens when someone who grew up in a Christian home was abused? They generally leave the religion, looking for some form of spirituality many end up Pagan. That could explain some of the depression in Pagans you are seeing. Please don’t misquote me as saying all mental illness stems from Christianity.

Bipolar is a general term I use because I can relate to it. However, I do believe my thoughts apply to all mental disorders.

As far as the economic factor- perhaps that is your geographical area, or the fact that some are unable to work because of their mental illness. The majority of my community is upper middle class. I am a medical professional that struggles with BP, ADD and a bit of OCD and I make six digits a year. It has been suggested by psychiatrists and therapists that I go on disibilty and I refuse. I will not give in to this illness. Perhaps most wealthy Pagans do not show their face at an outing because they can’t risk it getting out in the community. Perhaps they are solitary or have their own groups. After being in AA for years and never seeing any professionals, I discovered professionals have their own groups. You have to show proof of credentials to become a member. Not that they think they are better – they are protecting their protecting their practice and license. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if professional Pagans have their own groups as well.

Depression does not always equal mental illness. There are various kinds of depression. Low grade, suicidal, situational, clinical… to name a few.

It would be nice for the Pagan community to have their own support groups, but I don’t find it necessary. My group has various communities, cultures and beliefs. None of us feel it necessary to announce our religions. We discuss our spirituality without attaching a name. One of my personal pet peeves is when people go around crying discrimination because of religion, race, sex, orientation etc. Why does one feel they need to drag that into every conversation? I have a philosophy I take with me on my journey – take what you need and leave the rest.

This is really long so I will shut up. LOL

Don’t get excited, these are only my thoughts.

BTW… I have never met a Pagan who thought they were an elf or vampire.

peace

http://seerkind.wordpress.com/
Mind you, its sparse right now-just not enough time in the day!

Slán go foill!
Branwynn