MENTAL ILLNESS AND FAITH

Press, Volume C, Issue 29608, 2 September 1961, Page 13

MENTAL ILLNESS AND FAITH

Discussion By Panel

Could a loss or lack of faith cause mental illness?

This question was discussed last evening by a panel comprising Professor T. Ferguson Rodger, professor of psychological medicine, University of Glasgow, Mr G. Blake-Palmer, the director of mental health. Wellington, Dr. R. W. Medlicott. medical superintendent, Ashburn Hall, Dunedin; and the Rev. Monsignor F. Liddy and the Rev. A. Brash, of Christchurch, as part of the Canterbury Mental Health Council’s seminar. The chairman was Dr. L. L. Pownall, Vice-Chancel-lor of the University of Canterbury. Mr Brash said he believed faith was necessary for mental health. •surance that no I “ ~ l medical or HiVfW id“onjects outside himself.” said Dr. Medlicott. He believed a loss of faith could cause ill health. Professor Rodger said persons who lost their faith in God became anxious and melancholy. "This could be a symptom of mental illness which, of course, could be cured by drugs or electricity,” he said. The panel was also asked whether it was true that men turned to God in times of great danger. Dr. Blake-Palmer said some men would build up a stronger faith in times of crises, but others could develop a blasphemous repulsion.

Mr Brasil said man’s ability to turn to God when in danger could give him much strength.