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Re: Gossip
This hits so close to home right now. First I want to say that I support everything that AYR said and then I'll add a story. I have a dear friend from church. She suffers with bipolar disorder and is on medications.... well was on medications... A couple of years back she shared with someone who is a preachers wife and should have been a mature sister that she had suffered from post-partum depression after her first child (18 years ago). She shared about her fears that she was going to hurt him when he was an infant and how it had affected her by causing her terrible worry that she would suffer again after the birth of her second child (she did not, meds kept her stable)...
Anyway this sister decided to spread some hyped up version of this story all over church pretty much only in her version or the revised versions after, my friend is a portrayed as a danger to children. She was dismissed from teaching Sunday school and has been left out of baby showers and other social activities of the church. This has really been upsetting to her and in an effort to prove she is not 'crazy' she has recently gone off all meds. I am worried sick that she will have a relapse of depression and have been in fervent and constant prayer. I am also fearful for those who spread these rumors and lies at the peril of their own souls. My friend is currently thinking about leaving the church to get away from all the controversy.
Unfortunately mental illness is still widely misunderstood and stigmatized. I counsel friends and family that they should never discuss their mental illness, psychological or psychiatric issues with anyone except paid professionals who are legally bound to keep confidence and possibly with very close family if they are loving and supportive. I am heartbroken that I feel this way but too many people are still ignorant and unable to be understanding. Too many have fear and with the legal culpability for employers that exists now a history of mental illness can even make one unemployable, especially in certain fields like medicine and education. Lives are ruined because of disclosure.
So while the bible tells us to confess our sins to one another and to bear one another's burdens, I'm afraid in this case I have to say from experience that it is better to keep things to yourself.
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