Featured in the BioLogos May blog for Mental Health Awareness month, I was asked to speak about how OCD has been handled inside and outside the church–and how pastors are the real front door of care. It is a dream to write for BioLogos as it was founded by Francis Collins, a follower of Christ and former NIH director who led the Human Genome Project.
Check out the article now: https://biologos.org/articles/how-pastors-can-be-mental-health-advocates
Here are some key excerpts:
Despite fascinating science and powerful already-established methods, if you go to a therapist, it is hit or miss trying to find someone trained in OCD….Additionally, when people with OCD seek out faith leaders, responses are also mixed. We need more integrative care and collaboration between clinicians and their spiritual leaders, which can lead to better health outcomes.
It may be surprising to learn that many church leaders have led the way when it comes to OCD.
…consider helping someone get started in discovery and education about mental health disorders like OCD. You can also locate a referral to a mental health professional or encourage them to find one. Help to normalize this—talk about how common it is, and if applicable, how you’ve utilized the help of various support yourself.
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