A popular Ghanaian preacher, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has sparked outrage among social media users over his cure for depression.
The pastor who is also a medical doctor by profession wrote on twitter that “Depression and sadness are a result of demon activity”.
The tweet came with a picture of the pastor’s book titled “Demons”. The book according to the pastor helps readers to know how to deal with demons.
There were angry reactions to Heward-Mills’ tweet and what his book sort to explain about demons and depression.
Some social media users wondered how he could suggest that depression was the work of demons.
Depression and sadness are a result of demon activity. https://t.co/Q8IgpO0s9c pic.twitter.com/oxwrflgHIx
— Dag Heward-Mills (@EvangelistDag) October 23, 2018
Mixed reactions
Others however jumped to his defence saying his views on the matter ought to be respected.
Are you sure you read medicine in school?
— Grand Moff Tarkin (@TheRealEdem) October 23, 2018
Is it the money or the fanatics cheering at every thing u put out? So when Jesus wept, it was demons. Akoa wei paaaa wo ka nsemhunu. Boi
— yeboa (@darby2luv) October 24, 2018
I’m shocked a Qualified doctor could say this na me wey the inter Science seff ebi B2 man get… pic.twitter.com/iwT15rOAKa
— Jüstin Annan (@itzme_jayjay) October 24, 2018
THIS TWEET IS A DANGER TO SOCIETY! MISLEADING AND SHOCKING!
— Mahanaim (@EbenHammson) October 24, 2018
Now to the ‘Christians’ calling him names, read Mark 5. There’s a classic example of a madness caused by demons. That’s only if you believe in the Bible as the word of God too.
— Priscilla Danquah (@PriscillaKay6) October 24, 2018
Seriously?! Reading this alone is depressing. I believe I’m possessed now.
— Prince ?? (@tridicleprince) October 24, 2018
All those against this book. He hasn’t forced anyone to buy it, has he?
And he said, they arise as a result of demonic activity. Don’t judge a book by its cover and let’s not be quick to judge cause remember touch not my anointed— Dorcas Antwi (@A_Gooseberry) October 24, 2018
as Bishop said depression and sadness are of the devil
the only way to deal with it is to make yourself happy— Anim Evelyn (@AnimEvelyn1) October 24, 2018
Omg, nobody thought about that. Why would you be depressed if you can just make yourself happy? This is truly groundbreaking
— Michael (@MichaelBaiden20) October 24, 2018
Heward-Mills is the founder and Presiding Bishop of the United Denomination originating from the Lighthouse Group Of Churches.
Depression affecting millions
Depression is a according to the World Health Organization is “a common mental disorder, characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks.”
The WHO also noted that “Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease”
Many people who did not seek medical attention usually end up committing suicide or engage in life threatening acts.
There have been calls from the WHO for people to seek mental health care to deal with the condition.
Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 300 million people affected.
Source: Africafeeds.com