How to Balance Faith with Mental Illness?

Apparently, faith and mental illness are different things, but, in fact, they are closely related as both are mental problems. A mentally healthy person may have one religion or no religion at all. This may not be the case for a mentally ill person. He or she may develop different beliefs as a result of psychosis. I’ve been through such experiences. I strongly felt that I might be chosen person of God. This was a disturbing thought for me as I was an atheist. I only recovered as an atheist when my illness was diagnosed – bipolar disorder.

But this is an ongoing process. Every time mania returns, I’m spiritual. When the elevated episode is gone, I’m again an atheist. It is true I’m not a strong atheist as I was in the past because of the observation I make during each episode.

The bottom line is to keep your beliefs flexible. I call it mood-dependent belief. Change your belief as your mood changes. In different times, read different books. Read the Bible, Quran, or Richard Dawkins etc. If you are a strong believer, deny God. Your denial will bring you closer to God. And if you are an atheist, submit to God. Your submission will make you a clearer atheist.