The Christian and Mental Health: What is Compliance?

A very important concept in dealing with mental health challenges is that of "compliance." But what is it? How important is it? How do we practice it? Is there an advantage to being a Christian?

Compliance has a number of meanings (as outlined in Merriam-Webster). I would place these on a spectrum. At the one end is the most common meaning, "the act or process of complying to a desire, demand, proposal, regimen or coercion." This end sounds pretty strict. Somewhere between, "please comply," and "you must comply!" At the other end of the spectrum is the definition from physics, "the ability of an object to yield elastically when a force is applied: flexibility." In fact, it is the opposite of "stiffness!" If these sound diametrically opposed, be patient. I'll pull them together at the end. For now, let's focus on the concept of complying to a regimen.

There are so many reasons for those of us with mental health challenges to practice compliance. I vividly recall my daily sessions in dialectical behavioral therapy, after my first mental/emotional "wipe-out." We were asked to check in each day according to the SAM categories--sleep, appetite, and medications. In particular, we had to report that we were "compliant" in taking our prescribed medications. It is far too easy to think you are getting better, and don't need medications, when in fact you do. For some reason, I have never had a problem staying current with my medications. I know what it is like without them, and it is not a pretty picture.

(I have elsewhere blogged about the fact that Christians can indeed take medications, having exhausted other options, for their mental health. Have a look.)

But there are so many other ways in which we need to be compliant. Routine is essential for good mental health. I have found (as many studies have shown) that I need to maintain a regular sleep regimen to stay healthy and maintain stability. I also need to watch the food I eat. Plus, I try to keep regular mealtimes. One of the most important factors in maintaining my mental health turns out to be physical exercise. I try to get 30 minutes each day. This, I find, helps me sleep better. So compliance plays a major role across the board.

I should point out that Christians have a definite "leg up" when it comes to being compliant. As disciples, we know what it means to submit to the Lord. We strive to practice this every day. And we can carry this over into being compliant with practices that make for better mental health.

But what about the other end of the compliance spectrum? Flexibility...the opposite of stiffness? This seems to be quite the opposite of "complying to a regimen." But I think being compliant in this way is exactly what we need to respond to the stressors of our lives. Being compliant means to be flexible, to give rather than to break. Yes, we do all we can to maintain our regimens. But when stressors come along, we need to be resilient. Being compliant, we need to be compliant. Does this make sense?

I wish you all the benefits of healthy compliance.

Blessings,

The Christian Bipole