Mental Illness

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seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,939
4,577
113
#41
When I was in the hospital for my suicide attempt, we had several sessions of "group therapy."

Now, this is just my own rebellious and frustrated heart, but one of the "therapists" singled me out in front of the group and said, "You really need to think about what you've done--suicide is a serious thing." I looked at her and said, "Did you know that in Japan, suicide is considered to be one of the most honorable ways to die?" She just looked at me and said, "Uh... uh..." and quickly moved on to the next person.

You see, I had been in a Master's program for psychology myself, and one of my driving motivations was to try to help other people who were going through the same private hells as me. But, I quickly became discouraged and didn't feel there was much real help available... so one of the things I look for in other people is: "Do you really believe what you're trying to cram down my belief system, and do you really know what you're talking about, or are you just being a good puppet and churning out all the manufactured answers they've taught you?" For those doing the work for a living, I'm always curious as to whether they truly believe in what they're doing... or simply going through the motions because their only motivation is a paycheck (and yes, God has to keep me motivated in my own work as well, simply and humble as it may be.)

This goes for both secular and Christian answers, as far as I'm concerned... My biggest prayer to God has been, "Lord, if you're just putting me through this to hand out these worthless answers with no power to back them when I'm faced with real, hurting people... please just take me now!!! I have to have something real or I feel like nothing is worth anything."

Another time in those beloved group therapy sessions, another patient told me in front of everyone else, "If you're trying to kill yourself, you are NOT a Christian." I admit to feeling a bit panicked and prayed very hard to God for an answer. This woman said that I was obviously sinning, and that she knew she was a real Christian and going to heaven because she said she did not sin.

As I said, I prayed very hard and very quickly, answering, "So what you're saying is... the Apostle Peter, whom Jesus later called the Rock of His own church... this was a guy who spent 3 years, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the Son of God, and then denied Him at the cross three times... Let me get this straight--you are telling me that either Peter didn't sin, or else he wasn't a Christian?"

I am positive this answer was from the Holy Spirit, because I could not have come up with it myself.

And oddly, the woman, who had been VERY brash and VERY loud about pronouncing my un-Christian-doomed-to-hell state suddenly flung herself on the couch and shouted, "I don't want to talk about this anymore."

The next day, she even apologized and said she shouldn't have said anything.

The secret is, her accusation made me take a good hard look at myself and ask God, "God, is she right? Maybe I'm NOT a Christian, and for that, I'm sorry and I really need your help..."

But in my heart, I truly believe God told me that He knows I believe in Him and, like most, am struggling.

For some, it's drugs or alcohol or pornography or adultery--for me, it's always been wrestling with a lack of will to live.
 
G

godsbluesman

Guest
#42
I beilive also that mental illness is a fom of posession by demons-I have a neice who is 16.when she was born,she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
when the family first started taking her to church,I think she was maybe 3 yrs old.at that time,my family was all unsaved,but they(mom,dad) gave theyre lives to christ,and had her prayed for at a healing crusade in sandiego california.from that time she steadily improved in her health and motor skills.all the doctors she saw said she would never walk,but jesus medicine cured her.she is now a normal(although a terror lol)16 year old who goes to public highschool and she is smart,popular and al that. this improvement took only less than a year to take place.Praise God for her everyday!he is saved and serves God,in My band she sings,and also works in childrens church on sunday.

just wanted to share
 
May 14, 2010
116
2
0
#43
As some may know I am a third year Occupational Therapy (OT) student here in New Zealand.
I am currently completing a internship for a non profit organisation called Supporting Families. They pretty provide group education and support and counseling for the families of those with a serious mental illness (namely Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Schizophrenia, Anxiety disorders) in particular to children and teenagers.

My question is, has anyone here got a family member (or even a friend) with mental illness. I would be particularly interested to hear from people who as a child or teen dealt with a parent/sibling going through this stuff. And what kind of supports (or lack of) YOU (not the family member) received from either health care professionals/services, the community (including church) and within your own families.

What is your understanding of these particular mental illnesses and those who deal with them?

In my honest opinion..from very real experience...I think most psychiatrists need to be seriously evaluated for mental disorders themselves...


and I have a right to that opinion..speaking from experience...

I say to all mental health care workers.....work on yourselves before you try and play "GOD" with others..
 
May 14, 2010
116
2
0
#44
When I was in the hospital for my suicide attempt, we had several sessions of "group therapy."

Now, this is just my own rebellious and frustrated heart, but one of the "therapists" singled me out in front of the group and said, "You really need to think about what you've done--suicide is a serious thing." I looked at her and said, "Did you know that in Japan, suicide is considered to be one of the most honorable ways to die?" She just looked at me and said, "Uh... uh..." and quickly moved on to the next person.

You see, I had been in a Master's program for psychology myself, and one of my driving motivations was to try to help other people who were going through the same private hells as me. But, I quickly became discouraged and didn't feel there was much real help available... so one of the things I look for in other people is: "Do you really believe what you're trying to cram down my belief system, and do you really know what you're talking about, or are you just being a good puppet and churning out all the manufactured answers they've taught you?" For those doing the work for a living, I'm always curious as to whether they truly believe in what they're doing... or simply going through the motions because their only motivation is a paycheck (and yes, God has to keep me motivated in my own work as well, simply and humble as it may be.)

This goes for both secular and Christian answers, as far as I'm concerned... My biggest prayer to God has been, "Lord, if you're just putting me through this to hand out these worthless answers with no power to back them when I'm faced with real, hurting people... please just take me now!!! I have to have something real or I feel like nothing is worth anything."

Another time in those beloved group therapy sessions, another patient told me in front of everyone else, "If you're trying to kill yourself, you are NOT a Christian." I admit to feeling a bit panicked and prayed very hard to God for an answer. This woman said that I was obviously sinning, and that she knew she was a real Christian and going to heaven because she said she did not sin.

As I said, I prayed very hard and very quickly, answering, "So what you're saying is... the Apostle Peter, whom Jesus later called the Rock of His own church... this was a guy who spent 3 years, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the Son of God, and then denied Him at the cross three times... Let me get this straight--you are telling me that either Peter didn't sin, or else he wasn't a Christian?"

I am positive this answer was from the Holy Spirit, because I could not have come up with it myself.

And oddly, the woman, who had been VERY brash and VERY loud about pronouncing my un-Christian-doomed-to-hell state suddenly flung herself on the couch and shouted, "I don't want to talk about this anymore."

The next day, she even apologized and said she shouldn't have said anything.

The secret is, her accusation made me take a good hard look at myself and ask God, "God, is she right? Maybe I'm NOT a Christian, and for that, I'm sorry and I really need your help..."

But in my heart, I truly believe God told me that He knows I believe in Him and, like most, am struggling.

For some, it's drugs or alcohol or pornography or adultery--for me, it's always been wrestling with a lack of will to live.

I've always looked at the "will to die" as an escape plan for the soul that is grieving......pain carries its crosses..and sometimes..they do beocme overwhelming...and we need help carrying the sorrow...


many carry sorrow...some buried deep within their hearts...and some have shut off the "memory vlave" for the ..insufferable pain they have seen...they would not be able to go on..if they did not do this...

To all those struggling with carrying heavy sorrows.....I pray for you...

many carry unkown crosses....to the outside world......

patience is a virtue of the HOLY SPIRIT.....

as well as perserverence.....and many other gifts...we can rely on....in times of " need"


for every vice there is to the human soul..lies a virtue..that can be gained...through FAITH and HOPE ..in LOVE
 
C

Consumed

Guest
#45
In my honest opinion..from very real experience...I think most psychiatrists need to be seriously evaluated for mental disorders themselves...


and I have a right to that opinion..speaking from experience...

I say to all mental health care workers.....work on yourselves before you try and play "GOD" with others..

preach it sister,science has its place but to think it and it alone has all the answers is demonic in itself, world denies God, we know better. For whatever reasons christians and non christians go thru battles that torment their minds there has to be, i feel, a point where something happened to shut down their mind, fear, unforgiveness, are the two most prevalent factors. Alot of people dont believe that God is their only cure and mix it with science as being able to cure is why the gift of healing is not so prevalent. I do understand that medication is good to calm ones soul down yet at the same time there needs to be some serious attention to prayer and fasting for them, not by them, good counselling with empathy and honor for them, needs one to stand in the gap for them, with a heart seeing the fulfilment of healing even before it happens without wavering. Those who were tormented in the bible had others pray for them as well as Jesus Himself of course, but even then if someone is lucid enough to grasp the gift of healing all is possible with God

Bible is like the workshop manual of a car, tells one whats involve,how to care and repair,and keep it in tip top condition, just Gods word is more precious as its written in the blood of Jesus.
 
C

Consumed

Guest
#46
I didn't mean to hurt you, however first you must look for a natural cause before supernatural. What occult is your family in? Your right I do need more information before I can believe that it was demons. I do know actually a few people who practice Wicca and they are very nice people and really wouldn't hurt anyone. They though aren't like the witches you see on tv. XD Mostly it's meditation stuff like that. I love you too and want to know more. <3

i dont need to convince you,you need to convince yourself kisdawn and no i assure you that i am not hurt by your assumption that i am for its the usual ,for better want of the word,worlds response,christians included. Wicca is demonic girl!, white witches, black withches, hey the word witch mean anything to you?, witchcraft is evil in the sight of God, careful what one plays with, matches seem safe,they still burn, especially if you dont know what your playing with and the destruction it can cause. love you kisdawn,really am surprised christians think like u. but thats your perogative with all due respect to you, free will

if only i could be bothered to tell you the practices of "witchcraft" and the smile on their face when the y say "i can help you with" girl you would truely think different about the whole topic. Yet it seems you are persistant that science is the answer and i am fine with that, remember, Jesus didnt die on the cross for nothing, "to destroy the works of the devil" is His mission, not was for He has empowered us for Him to carry that work out thru us- the devils works are, to kill steal and destroy and he has many many many many and i emphasise one more time,many ways he does it,
love you kisdawn, breaks my heart you are so adamant and require physical evidence,really does.

romans 12
phillipians 2
have the mind of christ, not the mind of the tree of knowledge
love you, dont think im attacking you, i am very passionate about all this because people just dont realise because of lack of knowledge, the knowledge of Jesus Christ which Paul and Peter prayed earnestly for the brethren to receive and not be taken in by the worlds ways, same yesterday,today and forever His Word, applies today as much as then.. "for we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers in higher places" we have the victory, we just need to beleive in the cross of calvary no matter what the current state is..

Praise you Jesus, Holy Holy Holy is your name, demons believe and tremble at His coming
 
Aug 2, 2009
24,572
4,261
113
#47
When I was in the hospital for my suicide attempt, we had several sessions of "group therapy."

Now, this is just my own rebellious and frustrated heart, but one of the "therapists" singled me out in front of the group and said, "You really need to think about what you've done--suicide is a serious thing." I looked at her and said, "Did you know that in Japan, suicide is considered to be one of the most honorable ways to die?" She just looked at me and said, "Uh... uh..." and quickly moved on to the next person.

You see, I had been in a Master's program for psychology myself, and one of my driving motivations was to try to help other people who were going through the same private hells as me. But, I quickly became discouraged and didn't feel there was much real help available... so one of the things I look for in other people is: "Do you really believe what you're trying to cram down my belief system, and do you really know what you're talking about, or are you just being a good puppet and churning out all the manufactured answers they've taught you?" For those doing the work for a living, I'm always curious as to whether they truly believe in what they're doing... or simply going through the motions because their only motivation is a paycheck (and yes, God has to keep me motivated in my own work as well, simply and humble as it may be.)

This goes for both secular and Christian answers, as far as I'm concerned... My biggest prayer to God has been, "Lord, if you're just putting me through this to hand out these worthless answers with no power to back them when I'm faced with real, hurting people... please just take me now!!! I have to have something real or I feel like nothing is worth anything."

Another time in those beloved group therapy sessions, another patient told me in front of everyone else, "If you're trying to kill yourself, you are NOT a Christian." I admit to feeling a bit panicked and prayed very hard to God for an answer. This woman said that I was obviously sinning, and that she knew she was a real Christian and going to heaven because she said she did not sin.

As I said, I prayed very hard and very quickly, answering, "So what you're saying is... the Apostle Peter, whom Jesus later called the Rock of His own church... this was a guy who spent 3 years, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the Son of God, and then denied Him at the cross three times... Let me get this straight--you are telling me that either Peter didn't sin, or else he wasn't a Christian?"

I am positive this answer was from the Holy Spirit, because I could not have come up with it myself.

And oddly, the woman, who had been VERY brash and VERY loud about pronouncing my un-Christian-doomed-to-hell state suddenly flung herself on the couch and shouted, "I don't want to talk about this anymore."

The next day, she even apologized and said she shouldn't have said anything.

The secret is, her accusation made me take a good hard look at myself and ask God, "God, is she right? Maybe I'm NOT a Christian, and for that, I'm sorry and I really need your help..."

But in my heart, I truly believe God told me that He knows I believe in Him and, like most, am struggling.

For some, it's drugs or alcohol or pornography or adultery--for me, it's always been wrestling with a lack of will to live.
Thats pretty awesome Kim! I always write off any christian who goes around boldly judging people harshly for things that are questionable. In fact I just heard a pastor today say that we as christians need to always show respect to each other and to everyone we meet, even when we disagree.
 
C

Consumed

Guest
#48
Thats pretty awesome Kim! I always write off any christian who goes around boldly judging people harshly for things that are questionable. In fact I just heard a pastor today say that we as christians need to always show respect to each other and to everyone we meet, even when we disagree.

amen
Php 2:1 If there is therefore any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tendernesses and mercies,
Php 2:2 then fulfill my joy, that you may be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind.
Php 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.
Php 2:4 Do not let each man look upon his own things, but each man also on the things of others.
Php 2:5 For let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
 
J

jeff3

Guest
#49
This chat room is certainly not for Christians with mental health problems.
I mean that to admit that you have mental health problems here would be social suicide.
I have been using the site for under a week now and would not dare to make any further posts because of my illness which causes me to put my foot in it unintentionaly.

My latest post was deleted without explaination or reason by the hard and cold administrators and the more I reach out the more my arms and heart aches.

OK then I suffer from Schizotypal personality disorder which causes me to feel very uncomfortable around people.
I have given up on finding a church because of this and I thought that I could make some virtual friend here.

My carers have warned me to avoid this kind of chat room as a lot of people who claim to be Christians come from very shady back grounds and this is reflected in the way they treat people such as the mentally ill and Gays.

For example I am looking at a post under yours by consumed which starts with "hi,all mental illness is demonic" Can you inagine how it feels to read that?

So I do not have the Holy spirit but I am possesed by a demon .

Fine !
 
J

jeff3

Guest
#50
I suffer from mental illness consumed.

If you are wrong in saying that I have a Demon and in fact I do have the holy spirit then I think that you may be in the eternal danger zone.
 
Aug 2, 2009
24,572
4,261
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#51
Hello brother Jeff. I'm sorry that you encountered that type of verbal persecution here. I can understand how it must be quite hurtful to you. I'd just like to say that there are compassionate, caring people here as well who would empathize with you. Don't let what some say ruin this place for you. There will always be a diverse range of opinions, sometimes even extreme, but there will always be those who are kind and would like to make you feel welcome here too. God bless you.
 
J

jeff3

Guest
#52
Thank you, that means a lot .
 

GodisGlorious

Senior Member
Jun 12, 2012
132
5
18
#53
Hi Jeff3,

I too have a mental illness and also feel very uncomfortable/anxious around people. Just wanted to let you know you are not alone. Have faith my friend. However illness manifests to our experience we need to keep our eyes on what Jesus did for us and trust in him for healing. I pray that God gives us spiritual eyesight so we can hold to Gods truth and not to what our own eyes seem to confirm.

I belive the Holy Spirit once said to me "The prison bars are made of smoke" meaning that the thoughts that limit us in our mind are a lie and that if we walk towards and through the fears enough times they will diminish or even disappear. May God walk before you and level every mountain that comes before you my brother.

Lord bless the mental stability already present in Jeff33 and increase it so that mental illness withers and mental health flourishes. Bless the peace in him and cause its increase. Bless the courage in him and cause its increase. Bless the faith and trust already in him and cause its increase. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen

GIG
 
J

jeff3

Guest
#54
Thank you GIG.
I have calmed down since this morning .
That's always my worse time and I will in future be staying away from this chat room untill later in the day.

I thought that this would be a good tool in my self management tool box but turnes out that it's the worst thing I can do.
I phoned my usual 24 hour crisis line and I told them about what happened and the lady suggested that I get an apointment with the local mental health chaplain.

It's so sad that there are people around who are so ignorant as to say that another Christian has a Demon.
Imagine a person with acute psychosis reading something like that.

I comfort myself when I remember that anything we are suffering the Lord also suffered the same thing.
He was accused of casting out demons by the prince of Demons.

I know that as zerotolerance said "There are also those who are kind and would like to make you feel welcome here to"
We must remember that.

There is nothing worse than when we have our mental illness used as an excuse to discount us or to attack us.
Last week I met an old friend of mine who suffers from paranoid personality disorder and mild autism.

When I told him that I was following Jesus he said "Oh Jeff! You haven't been taking your meds"

We both had a good laugh but later I thought about the fact that to the wordly mind all Christians are raving mad.
Perhaps those who are so ready to judge us should think about how they look to others.
 

jb

Senior Member
Feb 27, 2010
4,940
586
113
#55
"hi,all mental illness is demonic" Can you inagine how it feels to read that?
Welcome to CC Jeff!

I share your frustration at the witless comments like the above, for it is simply a lie!

The Scriptures clearly teach the differance between demon possession and mental illness and SO SHOULD WE!

Matt 4v23 states: "...and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them."

The Greek work for "epileptics" used here is "seleeniazoménous" which is the present passive participle of "seleniazomai" (Strong's NT:4583) and it means literally "to be moon struck" then to be an epileptic and it is used in Matt 4v23 to speak of ALL kinds of mental illness.

Mental illness is caused by many things, trauma to neural tissue, imbalance of neurotransmitters, brain tumours and so forth, it can be caused by demon possession but this is VERY rare, especially in western countries.

Yahweh Shalom...
 
A

AgeofKnowledge

Guest
#56
"Studies show that one out of every four adults in America will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lives. The first place many go for help is to their priest or to their pastor because the heart of Jesus and the Church has always been for those who suffer.

You are invited to The Gathering on Mental Health and the Church, a one-day event designed to encourage individuals living with mental illness, educate family members, and equip church leaders to provide effective and compassionate care to any faced with the challenges of mental illness. Please join Pastor Rick and Kay Warren of Saddleback Church, Bishop Kevin Vann of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, and NAMI-OC (National Alliance on Mental Illness-Orange County) and other faith and community leaders on Friday, March 28 for a hope-filled and inspiring gathering, as together we call the Church to action on behalf of those living with mental illness, equip lay and pastoral leadership, and stand side by side with those who suffer." -Rick Warren, Saddleback Church.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-gathering-on-mental-health-and-the-church-registration-10512869275

What Every Pastor Needs to Know About Mental Illness by Brandon Cox - ChurchLeaders.com - Christian Leadership Blogs, Articles, Videos, How To's, and Free Resources

Nice to see pastors and churches finally "getting it" with regards to those who struggle with mental illness. Instead of denying the problem; they are actually opening their eyes and starting to talk and do something about it in a competent, coherent, and wise way... many for the first time.
 
Oct 31, 2011
8,200
182
0
#57
This is my experience.

I had a terrible childhood that resulted in many conclusions about life that were in error. For instance I concluded that I was so wrong in what I did that I caused anything negative that happened. I was so miserable I decided to give my children to my mother and live in a mental institution, if they would have me.

I told my mother that I thought if she would tell me the many secrets about why things that happened to me came about, I might could manage. She agreed. I found out I was a victim rather than a cause. I decided to live according to my new understanding, but that didn't happen.

I decided to pay close attention to my thoughts that came filtering through my mind. One thought I found completely outrageous. I found myself wondering what I had done wrong to make it rain. That thought was completely against what I had learned as fact.

I went to the library to study the working of the mind, and discovered the subconscious mind, how it was programed, and how it worked. So I went to work on my mind to reprogram it in line with the new facts about life I had gathered. For awhile I used only thoughts that scripture gave as God thoughts to allow in my mind through spending every minute of the day I could be alone in memorizing scripture, knowing these thoughts could be relied on as truth.

I have since learned that thoughts are so powerful they can restructure the brain. I have read that thoughts can bring about emotions, and emotions can bring about how our hormones work.

I have often wondered if others could be helped, as I helped myself.
 
Jun 19, 2011
271
4
0
#58
I have been dealing with OCD from since I can remember and have only recently been seeing a professional about it. From my experience it can definitely be tough. The things I worry about or obsess about seem strange to others and always have. As a kid it was extremely difficult because I really didn`t know anyone who worried about the things I worried about. I definitely think it would be nice to find people to relate to and in some cases that can be hard, but I have found a lot of people are dealing with mental illness so that can be nice to be able to relate to others. If you are not already seeing someone (you may have mentioned this) I would advise you to see a professional, it is something that is helping me.
 

Hehopepj

New member
Oct 12, 2019
2
1
3
#59
hi, all mental illness is demonic, medical science says its chemical imbalances. I use to ponder on that and asked God to answer my query, not long later i met the leading lecturer of a Sydney University who held a doctorate in Psychiatry. We had a general conversation about mental health issues and i boldly declared that it is all demonic, her response floored me, "if only i could say that from the lectern at the university" and no she was not a walking talking faith believing Christian but believe as i found out that there is and has to be a "higher power", so God used my query, answered my question and got me to witness to her about who this "higher power" is - Jesus...

best part was she blessed us with $100, still makes me laugh

how good is our God

ps not long later i prayed for a teenage girl unbeknown to me she was epileptic, cast out the demon that manifested itself and found out few years later tha tshe was epileeptic and hadnt had a seizure since
Ive always thought that people who say your problem is demonic and have no power to heal you is very cruel , how many christian with bipolar do you hear being healed in the body of Christ. When a poor mentally ill person is in trauma and Fear and may not even be able to read the bible christians who think they have healing gifts should carry the burden. I wonder how many christians commited suicide over the centuries because the pressure was so great on them through words spoken by people in the Church.
 
M

morefaithrequired

Guest
#60
Most people I know think that Im crazy
And I know at times I act a little hasty