I am going to keep this short, I would like to thank those who have been praying for me and who responded to my last post.
My friends, I have been batteling with the following:
1. Understanding excellence concerned that I am not meeting God's standards
2. Depression at work
3. Fear of my boss
4. Concern of my future
5. not knowing who I am
The main topic however I would like to discuss is Christians who cut and self mutilation, the above things have some what led to my cutting and self mutilation. How do Christians deal with this and what is the way forward? Isit ok to see a Psychologist? Your feedback would be much appreciated
I suffered with self mutilation when I was in High School, I was a really depressed person and I would "brand" my arms quite a bit. In my experience it is important to find the roots to why you are feeling the need for a physical release in relation to an emotional problem. For me it was rooted in sexual sins that I had committed and those that had been committed against me and really that was what I had to discover before I was able to have these things pass.
I am not sure what the culture is in South Africa, or if you are able to find Christian Phychologists there, but I'd say seeking professional help if you are self mutilating is a good thing, at least in the US. But when seeing psychologists its really a question of if you are willing to be helped. When I saw Professional Psychologists here in the states, when I was in the middle of my junk, it didn't help much because I truly wasn't ready to be helped. Who helped me get out of it all was a spiritual father in my church who does Christian counseling on the side, the reason he was able to help me was that he was in for the long haul with me and he proved it over and over. He wasn't just around until my money ran out like Psychologists kind a have to be. So, I was able to open up with him and let him help me.
So, I'd agree with Brad Huber and say get in touch with your local Church minister. Its where I finally got help for my depression and all the side effects that come along with that.
A Professional Psychologist is a good outlet too, I mean its what they do, as long as you let them in.
You will be happy to know that I am doing alot better now, I have been seeing a Phsychologist but also and more importantly I have been making an effort to stand on God's Word, this has made a great difference. I have also been encouraged by other brothers and sisters, so this has definitely increased my self esteem. Thank you very very very much to all who prayed for me and for those who read my post. have a blessed year ahead as you move forward in Christ.
I am glad you are doing better and that you have seen a Psychologist. I too struggled with similar issues and it was extremely necessary to see someone who understood my situation completely, such as a psychologist. Praying for you continuously that you don't fall into a relapse pattern.
