CHRISTIANITY VERSUS EXISTENTIALISM:

Can a person experience anxiety while maintaining his/her Christian faith?

By Messenger K. Hezekiah Scipio, MS, BA

    Anxiety, a pervasive psychological and medical condition, is often rooted in a sense of purposelessness and lack of meaning in life. Existentialism, a philosophical school of thought, posits that the central problem of human existence is this very lack of meaning. The Bible, on the other hand, provides a clear purpose for life, offering hope through Jesus Christ. This raises the question: Can existentialism provide a deeper understanding of anxiety? And can a person experience anxiety while maintaining his/her Christian faith? The answer to both is a resounding yes!

Even Jesus Christ himself experienced anxiety as he faced his impending death, as depicted in Matthew 26: 36-39. His distress was so profound that he developed a medical condition known as hematohidrosis (Bhagwat, et al, 2009, p.1). The Gospel of Luke further describes his anguish, stating that he prayed more earnestly and his sweat resembled drops of blood. While the term ‘anxiety’ may not be explicitly mentioned in the King James’ version of the Holy Bible, symptoms associated with anxiety and depression, such as anguish, great sorrow, and distress of the heart (Psalm 55:4, Luke 22:44, Romans 9:2, & 2 Corinthians 2: 4), are found throughout the scriptures.

Existential philosophy, with its focus on human existence and the confrontation of mortality, can indeed provide insights into understanding anxiety. Heidegger (2008, p. 289) argues that true authenticity involves engaging with the world around us (Craig, 2009, p.217). He discourages indifference towards death, promoting instead the courage to face it and thereby find freedom from the anxiety it may produce.

For a biblical Christian, existentialism can provide a deeper understanding of anxiety, particularly when compared to scriptural messages such as 1 Peter 1:10-25, 1 Corinthians 15: 12-19, and the assurance provided by Jesus himself in John 14:2-6. These passages offer comforting words and assurances, helping to calm anxiety and fears of inevitable death (Hoelterhoff, 2015, p.3). Trusting in the promises of God through Christ Jesus, believers can find solace and confidence, just as the Apostle Paul expressed in Philippians 1:21, where he proclaimed that to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Personal experiences, such as surviving a terrifying incident like an assault on a neighboring apartment, can also attest to the calming effect of biblical scriptures against anxiety and the fear of death. As a biblical Christian, one can find strength and confidence in the face of such adversity, echoing the sentiments of the Apostle Paul: “For, to me to live is Christ; and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Faith enables one to embrace life fully, while also finding peace in the knowledge that eternal life awaits beyond death.

In my understanding, anxiety emerges from our awareness of existential realities, such as the inevitability of death and the limitations of our physical bodies (Heery, 2015, p. 536). These existential concerns permeate various aspects of our lives, including age, gender, social class, cultural beliefs, and emotional support systems (p. 535). To illustrate this further, let’s consider a hypothetical scenario: Imagine you are an 85-year-old person who has suffered a stroke, leaving you immobile and unable to work. Your Social Security benefits fall short of covering your monthly rent and utilities, and your bed is in the living room. As you lie on your side with a laptop doing homework as a doctoral student, you suddenly hear rapid gunfire. Bullets pierce through the top right corner of your laptop, miraculously missing the center of your forehead, and penetrating through the drywall into your bedroom. In such a situation, wouldn’t you feel besieged by anxiety, uncertain about who was shooting at you and why? This scenario underscores the existential realities that can trigger anxiety, and how faith and existentialism can provide a deeper understanding and coping mechanisms for such experiences.

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 SUICIDE PREVENTION IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

By Messenger K. Hezekiah Scipio, MS, BA.

In many churches there is the belief that church should apply itself to conditions fostering the spiritual health of individuals; few pastors demonstrate any concern about the mental health of Christians. Suicide is a serious issue that affects many people, including Christians. In recent years, several pastors including Jarred Wilson, Andrew Stoecklein, and Jim Howard have taken their own lives. These tragedies reveal that pastors are not exempt from mental health challenges, even though they are spiritual leaders. Many sermons do not address mental health issues, such as depression and suicide prevention, according to Dr Jayce O’Neal, a professor and pastor at Regent University. He said that pastors are human and struggle with insecurities and problems like anyone else. However, there is a silence on these topics in the Christian community. This silence is alarming, considering that suicide rates in the United States have reached a record high of 49,500 deaths in 2022. Several other megachurch pastors have also died by suicide from 2020 to 2023. There is also a debate among Christians about whether suicide is an unforgivable sin. Some believe that suicide is morally wrong, while others question how Christian beliefs may contribute to the stigma around mental health. Therefore, it is important to explore what Jesus taught about suicide and suicide prevention.

SUICIDAL IDEATION

On September 21, 2023, I thought of killing myself. I was 84 years old and a PhD student in General Psychology and Cognition. I had a Master of Science degree in Mental Health and Wellness with an emphasis in Christian Ministry from Grand Canyon University and a BA in psychology from Argosy University. I got these degrees after a stroke that caused me to have aphasia, a problem with speaking. I wanted to motivate others who felt stuck in their work. But I faced unfair treatment and rejection because of my age and gender. One agency only helped people between 18 and 64 years old. Another employer turned me down for a job I had done in New York from 1986 to 1993 because the employment center was for women only. I was about to lose my home because my rent was more than twice my Social Security income. I wanted to end my pain, but my faith in GOD saved me. Many pastors suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts because of money problems, according to studies.

JESUS SPEAKS

 In a dream, Jesus told me that he also had suicidal thoughts when Satan tempted him to jump from the Temple’s peak. He quoted Matthew 4:5-7 and compared himself to Moses, Elijah, and Jonah, who also dealt with anger, depression, and suicidal thoughts. He urged believers to say that, “It is written, DO NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.” He warned me about the fate of those who committed suicide, like Samson, King Saul, Ahithophel, and Judas Iscariot. The message highlighted the importance of choosing life over death, and the power of our words, as stated in Proverbs 18:21. Some preachers who teach that salvation is permanent and unconditional have claimed that a believer who commits suicide is still saved because Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.” However, these preachers ignored Romans 6:2, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? Paul answers, “By no means!” He continues in Romans 6:3, “Sin is what separates us from the love of God!” In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), we see that it was sin that made the lamps of the five foolish virgins run out of oil, so that they were shut out of the wedding banquet. Jesus is calling you who may be tempted to take the easy way out: “If you love me, you will obey what I command” John 14:15. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, the action you need to take is clear: turn to the Bible, read Matthew 4:5-7, and remember Jesus’ words to Satan: “IT IS WRITTEN, DO NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.” In times of despair, seek the support and hope that come from faith, rather than giving in to the darkness.

 Common Causes of Suicide

Suicide is a complex and tragic phenomenon that affects many people. There are different factors that can contribute to suicide, such as mental health conditions, personal crises, chronic illnesses, social isolation, and hopelessness. Here are some of the common causes of suicide:

• Depression:  is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness. People with depression may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, have trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating, and have thoughts of death or suicide. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or background.
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD): This is a personality disorder that affects how people relate to themselves and others. People with BPD may have intense mood swings, impulsive behaviors, unstable relationships, and a distorted sense of self. They may also struggle with feelings of emptiness, anger, fear of abandonment, and self-harm. Up to 10% of people with BPD die by suicide.
• Bipolar disorder: This is a mood disorder that causes extreme changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. People with bipolar disorder may experience episodes of mania (highs) and depression (lows), which can last for days, weeks, or months. During a manic episode, they may feel euphoric, irritable, reckless, or grandiose. During a depressive episode, they may feel hopeless, worthless, guilty, or suicidal. People with bipolar disorder are 10 to 30 times more likely to die by suicide than those in the general population.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This is a trauma-related disorder that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as war, violence, abuse, or natural disasters. People with PTSD may have flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance of reminders of the trauma. They may also feel numb, detached, angry, or guilty. PTSD can affect anyone who has been exposed to a traumatic event, and it can increase the risk of suicide.
• Substance use disorders: These are conditions that involve the misuse of alcohol or drugs, which can affect a person’s physical and mental health, as well as their social and occupational functioning. People with substance use disorders may use substances to cope with stress, trauma, or emotional pain, but this can also worsen their mental health and increase their suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The risk of suicide increases if a person uses multiple substances.
• Chronic illnesses are long-term health conditions that may not have a cure, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or chronic pain. Chronic illnesses can affect a person’s physical, emotional, and social well-being, and can also limit their ability to perform daily activities or enjoy life. Chronic illnesses can cause or worsen depression, anxiety, and hopelessness, which can increase the risk of suicide.
•  Loneliness, aka Social isolation is a state of having few or no meaningful social connections, such as friends, family, or community. Social isolation can result from various factors, such as living alone, moving to a new place, losing a loved one, or experiencing discrimination or stigma. Social isolation can affect a person’s mental and physical health, and can also reduce their access to support and resources. Social isolation can increase the risk of suicide, especially among older adults.
• Hopelessness is a feeling of having no positive expectations or prospects for the future and believing that nothing can improve one’s situation or well-being. Hopelessness can result from various factors, such as depression, trauma, stress, chronic illness, or social isolation. Hopelessness can impair a person’s motivation, coping, and problem-solving skills, and can also increase their suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Some Treatments for Depression
• Psychotherapy: A form of counseling that helps people cope with their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can help people change their negative thinking, improve their self-esteem, and deal with stress. There are different types of psychotherapy, such as CBT, IPT, and psychodynamic therapy.
• Antidepressant medications: Drugs that affect the brain chemicals involved in mood regulation. They can help reduce the symptoms of depression, such as sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest. There are different classes of antidepressants, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs. They may take weeks to work, and they may have side effects, such as nausea, weight gain, and sexual problems.
• Neuromodulation: A treatment that involves stimulating the brain with electricity, magnets, or light. It can help people with severe or suicidal depression who do not respond well to psychotherapy or medication. There are different types of neuromodulations, such as ECT, TMS, VNS, and DBS. It can have side effects, such as memory loss, headache, and seizure.
• Lifestyle measures: Actions that people can take on their own to improve their mood and well-being. They can include exercise, diet, sleep, social support, meditation, and hobbies. 
• CBT and IPT are two types of psychotherapy that can help people with depression and other mental health conditions. They have some similarities and some differences.

CBT stands for cognitive behavioral therapy. It focuses on identifying and correcting faulty, automatic thoughts that lead to emotional problems. CBT also helps people change their behaviors that may reinforce their negative thinking. For example, a person with social anxiety may avoid social situations because they think they will be judged or rejected. CBT would help them challenge this belief and gradually expose them to more social interactions.

IPT stands for interpersonal psychotherapy. It focuses on relationship issues, role transitions, loss and grief, improving interpersonal skills, etc. IPT also helps people understand how their mood affects their relationships and vice versa. For example, a person with depression may feel isolated and withdraw from their friends and family. IPT would help them explore the impact of this behavior and find ways to reconnect and communicate better.

Both CBT and IPT are short-term and diagnosis-targeted therapies. They are both effective for mild to moderate symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. However, they have different assumptions and goals. While IPT views depression as a biological predisposition that is triggered by interpersonal challenges, CBT sees it because of maladaptive strategies reinforced by dysfunctional behaviors.

 

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