Celebrating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day and Combating Mental Health Stigma
When we think of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the name resonates with the fight for freedom from segregation and civil rights justice for people of all racial backgrounds and classes. Often overlooked and rarely the focus of media attention was his quiet fight against mental illness.
It has been speculated, though he was never officially diagnosed, that he suffered from depression, and according to a Time Magazine profile on his life, twice attempted suicide in his youth. Later in life, his mental health became sufficiently compromised just before his assassination that several people close to MLK attempted to secure mental health services for him. He refused. When we consider the extreme stress that MLK endured, including death threats from the public and a blackmail letter from the FBI, MLK’s experience with depression is not surprising. Severe and enduring stress are clear risk factors for depression, a condition that afflicts nearly one in five people over the course of their lives. Theorizing about his mental health is not meant to be a critique or an attempt to discredit the awesome and inspiring actions of Dr. King, but rather to quell the incessant myth that those who suffer with mental illness are incapable of historic accomplishments.
Dr. King rarely spoke publicly regarding mental health, but when he did, like everything else he said, his words continue to resonate and create a lasting impact to this day. Yet, at firsthand, we don’t tend to associate his legacy with the fight against mental health stigmas, and towards an equalized and proactive mental health system.
But throughout his adulthood, Dr. King’s social and political successes ran parallel with his mental illness battle, yet the latter was only known by close friends and family members. Sadly, King experienced the same mental health stigmas currently faced by countless people in the United States. He feared his political and social justice accomplishments would be overshadowed or discredited if news of his struggle with mental health came to light. Despite these personal and professional obstacles, Rev. King never altered his convictions, or faltered from his objectives. If anything, he believed that his ‘maladjustment’, a term he used in a keynote speech for the American Psychological Association in 1967, strengthened his resolve to continue the fight for equality.
His struggle with mental illness was internalized, something those suffering from mental illness in the United States still experience on a daily basis.The stigma and stereotype are still so persistent and tenacious that the open and honest discussion of mental illness remains taboo in some communities of color; who still face marginalization, bigotry and discrimination in our country. Thankfully, this is slowly shifting as more and more influential figures in the community are speaking out about their own personal experiences with mental illness and disbanding the correlation between weakness, failure and mental illness. The uprising of social media has also been an instrumental tool in opening channels of communication between those affected by mental illness, creating a community of its own with limitless outreach.
Therefore, this January as we honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,one of our nation’s most accomplished in terms of social rights and justice, let us remember that Rev. King intended to create a legacy of acceptance and open-mindedness to all individuals. He understood, perhaps better than most, that the ‘maladjusted’ have a unique role to play in the fight for freedom (which includes freedom from stigma and stereotype) and their participation and perspective deserve to be heard and validated. Lastly, let us commemorate Rev. King by affirming the fact that mental illness and accomplishment are not mutually exclusive.
Bible figures who experienced ups and downs of emotions and what they teach us
As humans, we all experience the ups and downs of emotions. We can be glad the Lord recorded all the bad with the good about the lives of biblical characters. It would be harder to learn a lesson from their experiences if we didn’t know about their struggles, obstacles, and yes, periods of doubt and depression.
Every person mentioned in the Bible would have had times of emotional downturns, some worse than others. But thank God, He also gave the remedy to these folks as He does for us. While the word depression isn’t always used, we can see depression in their lives from their situations and responses.
He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (1 Kings 19:4)
A powerful prophet who called fire down from heaven to consume a sacrifice ran from a woman’s threats. Elijah had performed many miracles, stood up to King Ahab, and just killed hundreds of evil priests and prophets. Yet here he is, afraid of Jezebel. After this emotional high he would have felt letdown and had to be physically exhausted. His mind wanted to give up and die. But an angel touched him and said, “Get up!” (1 Kings 19:5-6). Basically, he was told to eat what the angel provided and stop feeling sorry for himself. Elijah moved to a cave and the Spirit spoke to him out of a still, small voice with new guidance (1 Kings 19:12). When we listen for the Holy Spirit’s voice instead of the threats around us, we can receive that same reassurance.
He (Jesus) took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. (Matthew 26:37)
Yes, Jesus knew the feelings of depression. He was a deity, but He was encased inside a human body with a mind that felt the same things we do. His struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane was mental and emotional. His flesh cried out for another way to save mankind.
Angels came and ministered to Christ in ways that reminded Him of the Holy Spirit who lived within Him (Luke 22:43). His Spirit won over and He left this example for us. We are always strengthened with the Bible and the Holy Spirit if we turn to Him instead of giving in to depression and despair.
Depression is an enemy the forces of evil use to prevent us from moving forward with life. But as we can see in all these examples, turning to the Lord and His Word is our remedy. The only time we have no hope is when we refuse His help.
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. (Psalm 30:11-12)
Resources
Celebrating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day and Combatting Mental Health Stigma (counseling.org)
https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/26-37.html
https://www.cugmhp.org/five-on-friday-posts/what-martin-luther-king-jr-knew-but-never-said
Mabel Martinez-Almonte, MA, OTR/L, NCC
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, get help immediately. You can text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
DISCLAIMER: The content on this blog is generated for entertainment or/and informative purposes, but not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or behavioral health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.