If I want to join a monastery, the monks there would prohibit antipsychotics? They will consider them useless, and will they suggest silence and prayer instead of meds?
Can schizophrenics become monks?
This is not a religious topic.
Don’t flag it, please.
It’s my sincere question.
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If they did tell you to stop taking meds, then they’re not very wise.
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I lived in a monastery for half a year during the onset of my psychosis.
They didn’t care, as long as I helped prepare food and attended the services.
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I looked into becoming a nun when I was off my meds one time and they highly discourage anyone with illnesses such as sz and bipolar.
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i think you can meditate and pray… but you have to be recovered stable on meds
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Yes, I agree with you, tree. But what if they strongly believe that everything is a matter of religion? They will tell me that I am not faithful enough. Cos if I am faithful, schizophrenia will vanish, according to them
If they’re like that, then you shouldn’t be there. That’s a very unhealthy environment. So if you want to become a monk, make sure their understanding of serious mental illness is good enough.
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Many years ago i wanted to become a Priest - I was heavily into the Choir and Bible Studys 3x week. I used to go to one of those “happy clappy” churches - and had a short relationship with a woman there - until she was told not to associate with me cos i “had the devil in me” from MI.
I was brought up in a High Church anyway.
My experience is the they are full of hyprocrisy these days.
It didnt help i got a fellow choir girl pregnant either (we were both 16).
You could say i got shunned in the end. But if it floats your boat - who am i to judge mate.
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What I want to say is that monks dont believe in mental illness as chemical imbalance, but they probably think that it’s spiritual matter, maybe a punishment for sins etc.
Do you think that they would allow a schizophrenic who wants to take their meds, to live with them?
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First of all, I should ask them if they believe in psychiatry. I doubt it. I think they believe in exorcism maybe.
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I could write an essay on the theological aspects of religion, but the short answer is if they are againest Anti-Psychotics and you taking them to maintain your insight and clarity - I would run far in the opposite direction.
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Most churches fully accept the ‘modern’ interpretation of mental illnesses so I’d very surprised if the Greek orthodox church took the stance you describe. But they might be mistrustful regarding the sincerity and integrity of your vocation. I mean, you founded a new religion not long ago. Have you repudiated it since then? Being a monk also means falling in line with a fairly strict set of theological tenets, which would certainly exclude Hindu influences.
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You’re right. I love many religions.
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I believe in a Buddhist monastery I will be accepted without meds, but i have to quit smoking as well. Nah, I rather be a monk in my own 4 walls. When i want to live without desires I can do it at home. I found god, therefore I have no need to seek god any further.
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