ClaimRace, women and healthverified2020sOrganisation's explanation

Race, women and health · Claim record

The organisation's current published position is supportive of professional treatment: The Watchtower No. 1 of 2023, an issue devoted to mental health, states that 'The Bible acknowledges that we may need to seek medical treatment' and that 'Many have found relief by learning what they can about their mental illness from reliable sources and by getting qualified professional help'.

Claim ID claim-attitudes-mental-health-current-positionConcerns 2023Organisation's explanation

La afirmación y sus pruebas

Organisation's explanation · 2023 Verified

The organisation's current published position is supportive of professional treatment: The Watchtower No. 1 of 2023, an issue devoted to mental health, states that 'The Bible acknowledges that we may need to seek medical treatment' and that 'Many have found relief by learning what they can about their mental illness from reliable sources and by getting qualified professional help'. Source: The Watchtower (Public Edition), 2023Source: The Watchtower (Public Edition), 2023

Show the evidence (2 sources)
Primary JW publication Verified

The Watchtower (Public Edition), “4 | The Bible Offers Practical Advice”

2023 · pp.12-13 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

“The Bible acknowledges that we may need to seek medical treatment. Many have found relief by learning what they can about their mental illness from reliable sources and by getting qualified professional help.”

Part of The Watchtower No. 1 2023, an issue devoted to mental health. The section is built on Matthew 9:12 and recommends exercise, sleep, diet, accepting help from others and reading encouraging Bible passages alongside professional treatment. Named case studies describe bipolar disorder, depression, an eating disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Provenance and verification note for The Watchtower (Public Edition), 4 | The Bible Offers Practical Advice

Confidence note. Full article read on the Watchtower Online Library on 19 September 2026; page markers in the page's own HTML place the quoted paragraph on page 12. The issue is numbered rather than dated, so only the year is given.

Corroborated by. src-hlth-wp-2023-no1-how-to-help

Notes. The organisation's most recent published position located on seeking professional help for mental illness.

Accessed. 19 September 2026 · Source ID. src-hlth-wp-2023-no1-practical-advice

Primary JW publication Verified

The Watchtower (Public Edition), “How to Help Those With Mental Health Challenges”

2023 · pp.14-15 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

“Because of his illness, your friend may say or do things that hurt you. He may cancel plans with you or become irritable. Be patient and understanding as you offer the support he needs.”

The companion article in the same issue, advising friends and relatives to listen, to speak consolingly, to offer practical help and to be patient. It quotes people whose spouses or friends live with clinical depression, anxiety disorder and eating disorders.

Provenance and verification note for The Watchtower (Public Edition), How to Help Those With Mental Health Challenges

Confidence note. Full article read on the Watchtower Online Library on 19 September 2026; page markers in the page's own HTML place the quoted paragraph on page 15.

Corroborated by. src-hlth-wp-2023-no1-practical-advice

Notes. Mental illness is treated throughout as an illness, not as a spiritual failing or a demonic attack.

Accessed. 19 September 2026 · Source ID. src-hlth-wp-2023-no1-how-to-help

Claim page Correct or update

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