THIS IS A TEST SITE
Mental health concerns in the context of faith:
A Sikh Perspective
Meet Gurpreet:
Gurpreet is a Sikh and lives with Bipolar mood disorder. Growing up in the lower mainland, Gurpreet’s parents took him to the local Gurdvara on the weekends and the occasional youth camp in the summer. Although he doesn't practice regularly, but the teaching of Guruh Granth Sahib has guided him in hard times.
Gurpreet has also struggled tremendously with this question of reconciling mental health and faith. Gurpreet tells us his story:
I kept asking myself will I be forgiven for all the mistakes that I have made? If Sikism says God is loving, then why does God let me suffer like this? Why doesn’t He heal me? Where is He when I need Him? Does Gurbani even mention mental illness?
I was so lonely, lost and confused. If I talked about my circumstances in my congregation it would give my family a bad name. My parents are always so worried about their reputation and getting me married to a good family. Did I do something in my past that brought this bad karma here in this life?
Ja Ko Muskal At Banai, Dtoee Koe Na Day
When you are confronted with terrible hardships, and no one offers you any support;
Laagu Hoae Dusmana, Saak Bhi Bhaj Khalay
when your friends turn to enemies, and even your relatives desert you;
Sabho Bhajai Aasraa, Chukai Sabh Asraao
and when all support has given way, and all hope has been lost;
Chit Aavai Ous Parbrahm, Lagai Na Thathi Vaao
if you then come to remember the all-pervading Creator, even a hot wind will not touch you.
Sahib Nithaania Ka Thaan
The True Sovereign God is the power of the powerless
Aae Na Jaaee, Thhir Sadaa, Gur Sabdi Sach Jaan
God does not come or go, but is permanently stable. Through the Word of the Guru, one realizes this Truth.
(70, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji)
In my highs I was the leader of the pack and the life of the party. Friends’ encouragement further spurred my outlandish behaviour and I would just get totally drunk. In those moments I would just be riding the roller coaster of emotion and I did not hear the voice of my conscience. After staying out all night, coming home and passing out on my parent’s couch I would wake up to the cold stares of my mom and dad that would pierce my soul. I felt like a huge disappointment. You can not imagine the despair.
I was alone, and who could I possibly go to? From that point my cycle of self hate would start. I spent hours alone in my room, drinking, on the internet, you don't want to know where I was on the internet!! And I would miss work days at a time. Alcohol was my best friend and worst enemy.
One weekend my sister dragged me to a discussion held by the Sikh student association to issues in Punjab. I expected to go there and hear the stories about people back home and how we can help them out, but I learned about the drug epidemic in the Punjabi youth and it really hit home. The speaker who was presenting was a Canadian born youth who had started a charity back in Punjab. To my surprise he approached me at the break, and started talking, and there was something different about this conversation. It was the first time in my life that it was ok to be just who I am. And for the first time I found myself sharing things about myself that I was always afraid to disclose. In hind sight, this was my turning point. This was my first introduction to sunget – positive company. He invited me to the charity’s next meeting and coffee before hand. He started sharing these thoughts and teachings with me:
Sukh Dukh Due Dar Kapray, Pehreh Jaae Manukh
Pleasure and pain are two garments given to every human in the Court of the Lord
(149, Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji)
It has not been an easy path, but I sure see things differently now. I understand that the mind can waver and its important to overcome our thoughts and conquer our mind.
But Gurbani is like the philosophers stone which can turn anything that it touches into gold. As much as I struggle to improve myself with my own efforts, if I rely on the support of the Sunget and the Guru’s teachings my path becomes more clear. Not easier, but more clear.
During one of my high’s I was so convinced that I can change the situation in Punjab with the youth there, that I bought a ticket to go to Punjab to single headedly save all those kids. I can tell you about the wisdom, love, and true friendship of my friend, now that I’m not in the moment of delusion. He sat with me for hours on end, acknowledging my noble intentions, he asked me what my plans were, and shared with me patiently what they actually need in the charity. But more than anything, rather than making big jumps from my mind, he helped me to tune into what my soul was saying. He was calm and patient and he shared hymns with me:
Keeta Lorreeai Kamm So Har Peh Aakheeai
Whatever work you wish to accomplish - tell it to the Creator.
Kaaraj Day Savaar Satgur Sach Saakheeai
God will resolve your affairs. The True Guru gives his Guarantee of Truth.
Santaa Sang Nidhaan Amrit Chaakheeai
In the congregation of Saints, you shall taste the treasure of the
Ambrosial Nectar
Bhai Bhanjan Meharvaan Daas Kee Raakheeai
God is the Merciful Destroyer of fear, who preserves and protects His servants.
Nanak Har Gun Gaae Alakh Prabh Laakheeai
O Nanak, sing the Glorious Praises, and see the unseen God.
(91, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji )
After every meeting we would sit and do naam simran together and that slowly brought me to realize that I may have been trying to escape the reality of my life here, and my work was to attend to this life and those around me for now. My friend guided me that I could still have a goal to work in Punjab but I had some healing work to do first while still doing seva – selfless service. So today I facilitate a support group of lower mainland group of youth who suffer with bi-polar disorder. Our group holds regular fundraisers for the charity in Punjab where my heart has been since that moment.
There are no short cuts, but finally I see that there is meaning and purpose in all of these sufferings. And I still fail, but I get up with the Guru’s grace.
