Manic Depression

[relationaltruth]

I would like to know why it is so very difficult for so many Christians to accept mental illness? One brother prayed at a bible study for depressed people to simply accept Jesus - as if only unsaved people suffered from depression.

The church needs to understand that mental illness affects many believers. Some have to be on medication for the rest of their lives if they are not miraculously healed by God. Sometimes reading the Bible and praying is simply not enough - although the church sometimes says such should be enough.

I suffer from manic depression. It inhibits me from being able to get up early, it eats at my concentration abilities, and it interferes with my ability to work at a good job. It also affects the way I am feeling of course - and some of my interpersonal relationships. I am in need of genuine community among people who will understand me - not simply dismiss me and my condition. The church - sadly - has not been the place I thought it would be. Nevertheless I continue to proceed in belief and hope that more will be done to create an environment of sensitivity for believers who suffer from mental illness.

 

[edwalsh18]

hey i also have depression although i am self diagnosed. i think it has a lot to do with my life being turned upside down. just recently my life has taken a huge turn south and my depression became severe, i was also experiencing some horrible anxiety. before this i believed in God but never went to church to seek fellowship, i wasn't really seeking God. now i see what i was doing wrong. God has helped me with my depression and anxiety, i am able to breathe, i am able to function, i have peace. i am interested in learning more about your situation and about depression and how it affects us. if you would like to message me i would appreciate it

 

[Boanerges]

A church is a hospital for souls so it should be no surprise that we have problems.
Folks with depression should:
Get a medical exam.
Seek Pastoral counseling.
Be loved and accepted in the body.

It is the responsibility of the body of Christ to love and encourage it's wounded members. Many are simply not mature enough in the Lord to understand this though. Do not be to hard on them though as they are generally dealing with their own problems.
Let us love one another.

 

[Giggles4God]

I have Bipolar. I am taking my meds like a good girl and am doing well. I have not gotten any comments or 'stay away from me' type things. I think some people believe depression and mental illness is contagious so they stay far away when it is not.

I believe it is only in recent years that mental illness and mental health has become a science instead of doctors using electricity to treat it...there are now medicines. When my father was growing up, his parents didn't really know what it was all about. My father has Bipolar, too...that's where I got it.

I would pray for people who are clueless and tell them...tell them how it is and that you are just like any person...the only thing is you have a mental illness...you are not crazy...etc. Sometimes showing them how 'normal' you are will help.

Sadly to some, it will take some time...a lot of time.

I am thankful for my husband, my family, and my church family that have embraced me and not turned me away.

Father God,

I pray for my brothers and sisters who have mental illness as I do. Help us to show others that we can be faithful in God's family, too. Help us to show others how our life is and that we need their prayers, not their pity or shunning. Guide our hearts and minds, Lord. I ask for healing for us...and that if we are to take medicine that we would faithfully and when told to do so. I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen!

 

[yort]

A Thought to Consider.

Troy a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I read your post and my heart cry`s out to you for all the hardship that you`ve had to endure. One thing that I would like to say is that the body ( The Church), should by no means seperate you from the fellowship, but should bring you closer into the flock in order to minister to you with gentlelness, love and care, this is a must. I would suggest that youy pray very hard for the Lord to lead you to a good church that preaches and teaches Jesus Crucified. Now I`m going to list some places in the Bible where I have referanced the words 'Illness & Demon or Demonic", I would like to note that it would do you good to read these scriptures in their context for it will open up more understanding and truth, Amen.

1. A promise of the Lord`s presence; You must serve only the Lord your God. If you do, I will bless you with food and water, and I will protect you from illness.
Ex 23:25 (NLT)

2. From guilt; After Nathan returned to his home, the Lord sent a deadly illness to the child of David and Uriah’s wife.
2 Sam 12:15 (NLT)

3. The good news is that Jesus heals;

A. Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.
Matt 4:23 (NLT)

B. So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.
Mark 1:39 (NLT)

4. Have you considered this; And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were sick, and them that were possessed with demons
Mark 1:32 (ASV)

5. Demonic posession;

A. And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were sick, and them that were possessed with demons
Mark 1:32 (ASV)

B. And they come to Jesus, and behold him that was possessed with demons sitting, clothed and in his right mind, even him that had the legion: and they were afraid. 16 And they that saw it declared unto them how it befell him that was possessed with demons, and concerning the swine.
Mark 5:15-16 (ASV)

C. Now when he was risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.
Mark 16:9 (ASV)

D. And demons also came out from many, crying out, and saying, Thou art the Son of God. And rebuking them, he suffered them not to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.
Luke 4:41 (ASV)

6. The Best News is; But when Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby
John 11:4 (ASV)

Hey I know this problem that`s in your life is very hard and challenging, but this a condition that can develope for you, and to the creadite of God the most remarkable testamony.

Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh unto you, humble yourself and will left you up. Theses are promises that God keeps.

One last thought to leave you with. Address this problem based on spiritual truth, not based on man`s decernment`s. Seek the understanding from the Holy Spirit and He will guide and direct you into all truths.

May our Lord bless you and keep you save in all things, Amen

Troy

 

[relationaltruth]

How do I send you a private message Troy?

 

[ChildrenOfLight]

Let your medicine solely be the joy of the promise of our Lord!

Sing songs of praise and pray alway!

This 'mental illness' is all in your mind, and pushed onto you through a corrupt world.

If you can give all your afflictions up to the Lord, and rely only on Him which is holy above all, then there will be nothing you cannot accomplish via feeling and love!

You must suffer for Christ sake, it is good.

Let your mourning turn into rejoicing. We are all sad at times. We all suffer likewise.

Everyone on earth could be 'diagnosed with a mental disorder'

flee from your sorrows and your sorrows will flee from you, in Jesus' name, if it's in His will.

think on these things which are pure, lovely, righteous, noble, and true...

 

[relationaltruth]

I don't agree with you Children of Light.

 

[Giggles4God]

I guess Children of Light you have never heard of people who have no longer taken their medicine.

I have. My father...and many others who think they are 'well' and 'normal'...when they aren't. They get worse.

Also, I didn't know I was to take sodium with my Lithium and I aced 'really crazy'...very unlike myself even with Bipolar.

Mental illness is not something that can be pushed aside and just let it take care of itself.

I believe with all that I am that sometimes God uses medicine, doctors, etc to 'cure' us...or at least let us live a somewhat normal life.

I was about I think 25 when I was diagnosis. That was three years ago.

Please...telling people who are mentally ill and are depressed that things that are 'general' and that most people are 'mentally ill' is not true.

If you would like to help us, pray for us. That our illness would be under control, we would not be depressed, we would get the right treatment, the doctors would know how to help us, encourage us, etc.

The worst is when someone thinks they know how it is...when they don't.

I have a wonderful husband. When I was in the mental ward of the hospital for 11 days, he came every day after work for a few hours. He doesn't always know what is up...but he doesn't treat me like I'm crazy or insane.

I get really upset about these things...no one...NO ONE knows what it is like until they are told they have a mental illness.

*takes deep breath*

I hope I did not say too much...but I get so...unnerved...you know?

 

[Holly Hobbie]

I am also Bi Polar and have BPD (boarderline personality disorder) I have had some people tell me too throw away my meds and trust God.

I am a Christian and know what it is like to be off my meds , I become someone I;m not.

I believe God created doctors and medicine to help people as well as the bible and biblical counseling.

I do trust God he helped me through a rough patch this week where I was suicidal.

I am lucky to be in a church that tries to understand me and loves me unconditionally.

I have a freind who won't go to church anymore because of judgemental people who were so quick to "beat him over the head with the bible they forgot who they were dealing with.

People like us need scriptures of encouragement not condemnation id we so choose to let a doctor help us with medicine

The best way to help a mentally Ill person is to pray.

I believe God has allowed me to be mentally I'll to help others and be a light of the world to them

 

[relationaltruth]

Thanks so much Holly Hobby. Thanks so much Giggles for God.

 

[relationaltruth]

THANKS Holly Hobby!

 

[relationaltruth]

Thanks

for the encouraging posts.

 

[darkest_soul]

I would like to know why it is so very difficult for so many Christians to accept mental illness? One brother prayed at a bible study for depressed people to simply accept Jesus - as if only unsaved people suffered from depression.

The church needs to understand that mental illness affects many believers. Some have to be on medication for the rest of their lives if they are not miraculously healed by God. Sometimes reading the Bible and praying is simply not enough - although the church sometimes says such should be enough.

I suffer from manic depression. It inhibits me from being able to get up early, it eats at my concentration abilities, and it interferes with my ability to work at a good job. It also affects the way I am feeling of course - and some of my interpersonal relationships. I am in need of genuine community among people who will understand me - not simply dismiss me and my condition. The church - sadly - has not been the place I thought it would be. Nevertheless I continue to proceed in belief and hope that more will be done to create an environment of sensitivity for believers who suffer from mental illness.

i am sorry that has happened to you. As Christians we should be supportive of ALL. And as one who suffers from bipolar.... believe me.. i understand totally!!!

Church & Christ should SUPPLEMENT your fight with this. Not make things worse. You should have people who support & encourage you not make you feel worse.

i woke this morning to such despair that i gave up. i did not go to Mass as i had intended. i figured God gave up on me. I mean why is all this happening no matter how hard i try?

But i came here... and started reading.... i am not alone. And neither are you. Hang in there sweetie. Hold on as tight as you can.

feel free to email me, pm me.. whatever. i am here to listen.

May God Bless You and Keep You.