Recently, I was asked this question by a member of my church community, “how is mental illness related to spiritual matters?” Here is my reply:

The problem is trying to put these things into boxes. Is it a physical issue? An emotional issue? Or a spiritual issue? The most appropriate answer as a Christian is all of the above. The three are constantly interacting with a person who has a mental health issue. A schizophrenic has a physical issue- as noted by brain imaging. They have an emotional issue- as noted by their family of origin and mood instability. They have a spiritual issue- as noted by the fact that this becomes an attacking ground for Satan. Therefore, if someone is prayed over for schizophrenia, they can be set free as all things with God are possible. However, it is likely that they will not be “set free” altogether because the emotional and physical issues would remain.