Is all mental illness – being possessed by the devil?

May 15, 2013 by Healing From Complex Trauma & PTSD/CPTSD 11 Comments

Being a Christian and moving in Church circles, the good old question of ‘demonic’ possession had raised it’s ugly head.

Yes, there are Bible verses that talk of what could be considered to be mental illness, this being of the schizophrenic, psychotic type of mental health, where people do appear to be taken over by evil forces and want to kill people etc , think they are someone they are not, hear voices in their heads and do things based upon the demands heard.

I am NOT saying this is demonic possession, but it does appear to be more like what is talked of Biblically and Jesus did ‘cast out demons’.

I have been called ‘demonic’ by someone at my Church. It was said out of anger, out of spite and as defence in their own sinful behaviour, To focus on my ‘mental health’ in some way in their heads ‘excuses lies, hiding things and a few other sinful things’. To take the focus away from their sins and attack, is a good form of defence for weak people, with no courage and little self reflection and clear hearts issues. “Everybody lies’ was one of their excuses. Well, I don’t. But liars often believe everyone must lie if they do.

My PTSD did not cause their sin. My PTSD did not cause them to lie, and lie by omission and hide things and try to cover up their own failures and sins.

My PTSD did, however, ‘know’ there was something wrong, how situations had been handled badly and weirdly and how attitudes and behaviours had changed and my hyper vigilance is a ‘gift’ from God, not demonic possession.

My PTSD and my trauma history also has given me the ability to self reflect deeply, I know my failings, I get hurt too deeply and I don’t act with grace when defending myself against lies and sin. Yes this may be sinful, but it is not demonic possession.

BUT, my PTSD and trauma, has given me the discipline for truth and honesty because I needed this to survive. Again another ‘gift’ from God.

I have PTSD, but this does not mean I am demonic or possessed by the devil. I do not need an exorcism, but I do need to people to tell the truth, because if you don’t, I will know and I will stand up for myself.

My emotion control is not good, as previous harm and suffering can be triggered, BUT, at all times I remain conscious, I do not become psychotic, and I do not hear voices and I do not become dishonest, or want to hurt people. In fact I have compassion for the people who have abused me, because I know their lives were horrible for them, even though they cannot see that.

I have the need to let people who hurt me know, the truth, but the truth is what I have the integrity to remain focussed on.

People who could be considered to be demonically possessed, don’t tell the truth. Because Satan wants lies to be told.

People who tell lies, are image needy and only tell half stories, to maintain their image and make someone else look bad, they are not demonic either. They are sinning, but not demonic, although some could say they are possessed by the devil as the lies come out of their mouth. But, I don’t believe that. Most people sin and sadly, most people lie, especially when under pressure and their images and ego’s are exposed.

Some Christians could argue that mental illness that causes psychotic episodes, hearing voices and causes people to believe they are someone else, are possessed by the devil.

I am NOT Jesus, so I will not say that is true, or isn’t true. And neither can ANY sinful man on this Earth.

So, for any Christians who want to make demonic references, or consider themselves to be like Jesus to make these claims – please know, you are highly deluded to believe you know whether it is mental illness, or demonic possession.

Jesus, or God, you are not.