Depression & anxiety or illnesses. Feeling down, sad, even suicidal is not sinful when we have little control over these emotions. There are drugs administered by well trained professional psychiatrist that help restore balance to the neurotransmitters that are not functioning properly and return patients to a state of euthymia…giving people their lives back. If you cannot afford treatment, there are clinics that treat indigent people. Further, virtually evey pharmaceutical company has programs that give medicine away to those who cannot afford it; one just needs to fill out paperwork showing their need.
Sin is a conscious act of defiance of God. Those whose actions are governed by mental illness are not quite in control of their actions. Never-the-less, they should go to Reconciliation frequently, repenting of the sins they find themselves doing. Also, they should pray to God to help them.
What I am saying does not give anyone the freedom to say…“Oh, its okay, I’m sick, therefore I am free to do whatever without consequences.” No! I would never risk my soul in such a way and neither should anyone!
Love & peace,
Bob