AIBU?
to not want to be told, at a parent and toddler group, that prayer will cure PND and SPD?
alexandriana · 24/05/2011 21:30
Went to usual parent and toddler group. Have been going for a while and liked it. As with all the others I've been to it is held in a church hall but they have always been secular/open to people from different faiths (it is a multicultural area).
So I was not expecting to go along and have to sit in silence for 20+ mins and listen to people involved in running the church try to talk the mothers into joining their prayer group. One woman said that the day after she went her PND was cured 
and another said that she had SPD and was told she would have to have a CS birth before she went to the group but afterwards it was no longer a problem!
Now I'm not a Christian or people of faith basher but I think this was totally out of order! I dont think going to a toddler group is like going to a church service. People go there because they are lonely and or want a break or their HV tells them to. Some women there are probably very vulnerable, some may have PND and someone telling them to shun pills in favour of prayer could end up with someone killing themselves, like if they suddenly stop medication. I think this was vv irresponsible.
One woman actually ran out in tears!
BooBooGlass · 24/05/2011 21:34
I would tell them to go to hell. I really would. What rot. It's difficult as church halls are so often the only place that groups are held. I stopped my dd going to holiday club last year as it was all old ladies telling her how Jesus would save her. SHe was 6 and had gone along to do some colouring
herbietea · 24/05/2011 21:36
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) it shouldn't be touted as an alternative to actual help and support.Borisneedsahaircut · 24/05/2011 21:38
I was actually brought up going to church every sunday and come from a christian home but I don't actually go now. I think this is wrong unless they invited you to a 'prayer group' or something. It always used to get me why the church couldnt just have activities without a sermon or prayers. I think helping people and being a part of society os just as important. I think this kind of thing just puts people off.
I go to a toddler group held by a church of England near me and there is no mention of anything like this and I don't feel pressured into going to the church etc.
Just read the last bit - Do you know what? When I was at uni I was on anti D's (still am years later and its helped me big time) but one church man told me to stop taking them. I ended up in hospital having done an overdose! The nurses and my parents were furious!
I know where you are coming from and I'm sorry there are some christians who go about it this way.
BeerTricksPotter · 24/05/2011 21:42
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BooBooGlass · 24/05/2011 21:45
I have to say that it is the 'well' me who would tell them to go to hell. The 'PND' me would have felt that I'd just lost an opportunity to get out of my house and would probably not return. It's terrible actually and you MUST MUST MUST complain to whoever runs the group, and to the church themselves. New mums need all the support they can get. WHat they do not need is to be spouted sermonous bollocks.
LeQueen · 24/05/2011 21:52
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edwardcullensotherwoman · 24/05/2011 22:07
That's terrible! I go to a playgroup in a Salvation Army Hall (which is their church), and it's actually run by one of the soldiers and her daughter. There is absolutely NO pressure to join the church, nothing religious mentioned whatsoever. The woman is lovely, she sits and chats to everyone and we all have a laugh and a cup of tea. She wouldn't dream of trying to get us into the church, but obviously would provide information/support of that nature should we want it, but this would be done in private as it's not what everyone wants.
Very irresponsible to imply that prayer will "cure all ills" as it were. If I were you I would definitely complain, explainign that you feel it's irresponsible and inappropriate and that their group is unlikely to grow if news gets around that they are doing this.
pinkthechaffinch · 24/05/2011 22:12
littlebabynothing
www.associatedcontent.com/article/7898548/benefits_of_prayer_on_mental_health.html
quick google revealed.
I'm not religious but sometimes attend C of E matins as find sitting with a large group of people, quietly thinking and reflecting v soothing and often helps to lift me out of the winter blues.
I don't believe prayer cures illnesses and would never offer it as a sole alternative to conventional medicine but I do think it could be offered as an alternative suggestion for treating mild depression
catinthehat2 · 24/05/2011 22:12
hi boris - see baby names
"alexandrianaTue 24-May-11 21:01:52
sammie
samanda
samilla
samaya
samandra
samosa
ok so some of those were made up"
actually since a moment ago, there has been multiple site spraying by alexandriana.
Shouldn't pay too much attention, looks as if it is just trying to establish a MN 'presence'
I havent found it yet cat - but I'm a bit slow tonight!alexandriana · 24/05/2011 22:22
cat- troll hunting isn't allowed dont you know? Meant to say, have namechanged, obviously had to as this thread makes me very identifyable. there were 30 odd women in the room, it's not beyond probability that one of them could be on here.
I'm glad to hear that people dont think I'm overreacting. The 4 people IRL I've spoken to this about have just said 'It's in a church, what do you expect?'
I really dont want to stop going. I'm making friends there and it is the only group around suitable for DD's age.
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