“God takes care of babies and fools.”
In this case, people with mental illness.
I don’t know where that saying originates, but it’s a good one - especially if a person finds they are powerless over a chronic and debilitating illness - such as mental illness. No, I’m not calling these people names or making fun of them -many people with mental illness lead full and productive lives- I use the saying loosely to remind us of the mercy of God concerning those whose (moral) responsibility may sometimes be diminished by circumstance or mental health. One of my dear friends is bipolar and I suspect a few of my family members have been as well.
Mental illness is a terrible cross to bear - even if there are medications and treatment for it today - people continue to fear it and ostracize those who suffer from it. As a child, St. Therese of the Child Jesus had a mysterious vision of her father’s intense suffering - a form of mental illness associated with stroke - that would beset him at the end of his life, and for which he was hospitalized. (Mr. Martin and his wife Zelie will soon be beatified (October 19), thus along with their daughter, they could be wonderful intercessors for people who have mental illness - not forgetting St. Dymphna of course.)
The way of spiritual childhood.
I mention Therese because a biographer or two believe she suffered from some form of mental illness as a small child, from which she was cured by Our Lady of the Smile - not all agree on the nature of her illness however, nor her father’s - so don’t get mad at me for posting it. Nevertheless, I believe her “little way” of confidence and love is well suited to anyone who suffers the ravages of mental illness - often doing the things they do not will to do, and unable to do the things they would prefer to do.
Sr. Mary Martha has a wonderful post featuring a letter from a woman who suffers with bipolar disease. The letter and Sister’s response, along with compassionate reader’s comments are well worth your time. Click here: “Brother Martin“ and scroll down from Sister’s poll to the post.
And then don’t forget our friend Jackie Parkes who has written extensively about the illness.
September 21st, 2008 at 2:48 pm
The American writer David Foster Wallace, aged 46, killed himself last week after suffering for 20 years with depression.
What a loss!
Mental illness is horribly real.
September 21st, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Thanks - it is indeed a terrible affliction. I’ll pray for him.
September 21st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
SF - I just read some interviews and reviews with David. Gosh - suicide is so sad - I feel so bad for him.
September 21st, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Terry, I feel like creation must mourn when such a thing happens….I know I do.
September 21st, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Again, you post on something that I am praying to God about.
I come from, married into, and produced so many people with different issues. It’s a freaking cornicoupia of issues.
I would like to think that I am in someways strong enough to emotionally support these family members who need me ,but sometimes I think I am on the edge too.
As I spoke to one of my close relatives. I began to understand that many souls in this world are saddled with the worst personalities, ones that they themselves can never escape from. They can be very lonely people. With a personality in which even FAMILY cant stand to be around you . How sad is that.
I love this relative ,and treat him like my own brother ,so he likes me. Sometimes I wonder if genius ,and mental illness are closely related.
Menninger sends me stuff with my personal name on the front envelope often, maybe they know something I dont.
Menninger takes eating disordered patients, they sent us away when my daughters insurance ran out , how’s that for love ,and support.
She is doing fine now.
I wonder how much of this stuff is caused from sin, example- “Dominic,and Eugene” Fetal alcohol, drugs ,sex abuse, and me -moms always blame themselves etc..
I am confused by this issue ,and have been wondering if God would grant more peace,and pardon to these poor souls.
Please God, grant me the loyalty, love, ability, friendship, mental health ,and grace to meet the needs of these people in my life.
As far as my other daughter who is retarded is concerned I worry about her soul constantly she doesn’t seem to care about Mom’s God -not in the least. She will have to learn of his mercy ,and assistance when she’s in some sort of terrifying jam. I pray that God grades her on a different scale.
Please God save her from herself,and help her to follow you, the only person who can save her.
Here are my friends at the clinic.(actually I cant stand them ,they don’t serve the same God that we do)
http://www.menningerclinic.com/
September 21st, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I am so sorry that I wrote too much. Forgive me.
September 21st, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Terry would you please delete my mistake on #4 I don’t know how I did that ,I am sorry.
September 21st, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Thank you for posting this today. On Friday, my 70 y/o mother returned to our house from a 9 month stay in the nursing home. I have been dreading it for a month–her mental illness is, at times, intolerable. She suffers terribly and has for as long as I can remember. I can’t even begin to explain the level of her despair or how it has effected our family. My mother is such a wonderful person, in spite of her illness. Thank you for reminding me to continue to pray for her. FWIW, we are so happy to have her home.
September 21st, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Belinda - I’m sorry I wasn’t certain which post you wanted me to edit - so I didn’t post any.
September 21st, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Can you delete the first ,and last “belinda said” and then can you slap me too for fun. Or leave it all cause it sounds like I am the fairest one in all of the land.
Where did I put that Menninger phone number?
Thank you for your very meaningful post this evening.I will contemplate God’s mercy ,and love for these people.