You can't pray mental illness away....

A few weeks back... I saw a lady in one of my local Facebook groups, who was reaching out for mental health help, but everyone jumping on this bandwagon of "Pray to God for he can help you, the ONLY one that can help". I was furious, not because I do not believe in God... but rather I believe that mental illness is real, and you cannot medicate it away, or pray it away, or read enough Bible to make one better. It is absolutely FLABBERGHASTING that someone would EVER shame a person for their mental health! This is how so many people can tragically end up taking their own lives because of toxic shame entrenched within the Religious sector.

SOME RESEARCH FOR THOSE INTERESTED.

If someone needs medical care but is advised to go to church instead, it's crucial to prioritize their well-being and seek professional medical attention. While faith and prayer can offer comfort and support, they cannot replace the expertise of trained healthcare professionals. It's essential to address the individual's specific medical condition with appropriate treatment. 

Here's why seeking medical care is crucial:

Medical expertise:

Doctors and nurses have the knowledge and tools to diagnose and treat medical conditions accurately. 

Safety:

Ignoring medical advice can lead to serious health complications or even death. 

Respect for the individual:

Ignoring medical advice can be disrespectful to the person's right to make informed decisions about their own health. 

Potential for harm:

Interfering with medical care can cause harm, even if it's not the intention. 

Avoiding negative outcomes:

Seeking medical care is essential for ensuring a positive outcome for the person's health. 

In summary, it's vital to prioritize the individual's health by seeking professional medical attention when needed, even if it conflicts with religious beliefs or advice.

Whether a religious person can be held liable for telling a suicidal individual to go to church instead of seeking medical care is a complex issue with varying legal interpretations. 

Here's a breakdown of the potential legal considerations:

1. Negligence and Duty of Care:

A key legal concept is negligence, which generally requires proving a duty of care existed, that this duty was breached, and that the breach directly caused harm.

Duty of Care: This refers to a legal obligation to act with reasonable care towards others to avoid causing harm.

Breach of Duty: This means failing to meet the expected standard of care. 

2. Liability of Religious Counselors:

Historically, courts have been reluctant to impose a legal duty on non-therapist clergy or religious counselors to refer suicidal individuals for professional help, according to the Los Angeles Times.

In a significant California case, the court held that church counselors, or others who are not licensed psychotherapists, have no legal duty to refer a person to psychiatrists or other mental health professionals, even if they believe that person may be suicidal. 

3. When Liability Might Arise:

However, if the religious person holds themselves out as a professional counselor or creates a relationship of dependence, a duty of care might be established, according to Church Law & Tax.

If a counselor, whether religious or secular, fails to provide a reasonable standard of care, and this failure directly leads to harm, they could potentially be held liable.

For example, if the counselor recognizes a clear and imminent suicide risk but only advises church attendance and does not refer to professional help or take other safety measures, they might be deemed negligent. 

4. Criminal Liability:

In some cases, encouraging or assisting suicide can be a criminal offense.

For example, in California, it's a felony to deliberately aid, advise, or encourage another person to commit suicide. 

Important Considerations:

Context matters: Each case is unique, and courts would consider the specific circumstances, including the nature of the relationship, the clarity of the suicide threat, and the actions (or inactions) taken by the religious individual.

Good Samaritan Laws: Some jurisdictions have Good Samaritan laws that might offer protection to those acting in good faith to assist someone in distress.

Emphasis on seeking professional help: Regardless of religious beliefs, encouraging a suicidal individual to seek professional mental health care is crucial for their safety and well-being. 

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice. It is crucial to consult with a legal professional for specific legal guidance related to suicide and liability.