Is anyone else struggling with mental health issues right now?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
StrugglingTilMyReward

StrugglingTilMyReward

Well-known member
#1
Aug 10, 2019
552
437
63
Canada
#1
Its Easter Sunday....a day that, going back to my earliest days, has always been incredibly special...for different reasons at differnt times.

My wife suffers from schizophrenia....she doesn't hear voices or see things that aren't there, for her in manifests itself in delusional thoughts, thoughts that are impossible but very real to her. This morning it was invisible people coming into the house, and anger directed at me because I'm having an affair with one or more of them.

As with many mental health conditions, stress can be a trigger....and life is anything but easy right now. And I'm feeling worn out....like a casuality in the fight against coronavirus. Nobody complains that Amazon is probably going to have a record year, with its 10s of thousands of employees going in and out of their fulfillment centres 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. All those employees complaining that social distancing is impossible, and that the only PPE being used is by those who bring their own in....and they likely haven't even been trained to use it properly.

I'm blessed in many ways, we have 2 cars and I've decided that when my wife wakes from the nap she's taking...that she and our 6 year old are going for what will hopefully be a stress relieving drive. It goes against the advice of the authorities who are suggesting here, that all travel should be restricted that which is absolutely essential.

Any thoughts, prayers or advice...or simple fellowship would be appreciated.
 
I

InNeedOfHelp

Member
#2
Jan 6, 2019
33
23
8
#2
We must not forget...the war we're in is not against flesh and blood. EPHESIANS 6:12

As for your wife, the battle over her is spiritual and can be won through prayer. 2CORINTHIANS 10:4

Use this time/season you and your family are in to grow in faith trusting in Christ that He will bring it to pass. LUKE 8:15

Praise God brother! If the enemy is trying to attack you and your family it means you all are important for the devil to try stopping the plans and purposes of God in your lives. JOSHUA 1:9


You and your family are covered!

Happy Resurrection Sunday!
 
1christian1

1christian1

Banned
#3
Sep 13, 2018
2,587
885
113
#3
StrugglingTilMyReward said:
Its Easter Sunday....a day that, going back to my earliest days, has always been incredibly special...for different reasons at differnt times.

My wife suffers from schizophrenia....she doesn't hear voices or see things that aren't there, for her in manifests itself in delusional thoughts, thoughts that are impossible but very real to her. This morning it was invisible people coming into the house, and anger directed at me because I'm having an affair with one or more of them.

As with many mental health conditions, stress can be a trigger....and life is anything but easy right now. And I'm feeling worn out....like a casuality in the fight against coronavirus. Nobody complains that Amazon is probably going to have a record year, with its 10s of thousands of employees going in and out of their fulfillment centres 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. All those employees complaining that social distancing is impossible, and that the only PPE being used is by those who bring their own in....and they likely haven't even been trained to use it properly.

I'm blessed in many ways, we have 2 cars and I've decided that when my wife wakes from the nap she's taking...that she and our 6 year old are going for what will hopefully be a stress relieving drive. It goes against the advice of the authorities who are suggesting here, that all travel should be restricted that which is absolutely essential.

Any thoughts, prayers or advice...or simple fellowship would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

So your wife is'nt physically capable of taking a walk?
 
NOV25

NOV25

Well-known member
#4
Nov 23, 2019
967
384
63
#4
Are you a member of a good local church? If so, I would expect all your needs will be met there, fellowship from loving elders and congregants as well as a qualified biblical counselor.
 
ArtsieSteph

ArtsieSteph

Senior Member
#5
Apr 1, 2014
6,194
1,319
113
33
Arizona
#5
Stress accumulates sometimes from not being able to go out and exercise. I have OCD and I know it’s worse when I have a lot of extra energy that likes to turn itself into anxiety and needless worry. Even when things seem well, often time mental health doesn’t care. It’s like kinda being a baby, where your body needs something but you have no idea what it is. The body just reacts.

And be willing to do what you need to in order to rest and recoup I guess. Within reason and what won’t cause your wife to worry or have any angry panic.
 
Bingo

Bingo

Well-known member
#6
Feb 9, 2019
8,376
4,422
113
#6
"I do hope and pray you find some solace in knowing and feeling of God's 'presence'.
No one can imagine what others are experiencing, all we can do is offer hope and that
we all take the time to offer our thoughts and prayers, and that we hopefully share our
love of God in some meaningful language, and to know there is a communion within these
pages of Brotherly love and a meaningful fellowship to help encourage one another.
I pray God's 'inspiration' comes upon your family, to comfort and to be a guiding 'light'...
in all your coming and going."
'Amen'
'Praise God'...........I'M Alive...I'M Alive...I'M Alive...

- Copy - Copy - Copy (7) - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy.jpg Friendly.png animated-dove-gif-8 - Copy - Copy.gif
 
K

Kim82

Guest
#7
#7
That you have stayed with your wife during all of this, you are an inspiration to many, and you have a testimony.

All you can do is ensure that she takes her medication, if she was prescribed any, and don't let anything make you get stressed.

God is pleased with you because you are doing His will, and He will bless you inspite of it all. That's why I'm encouraging you to cheer up. If you get stressed then you can't help your wife, and the marriage will be even more unbearable.

If the authorities say you are to stay indoors, then that is what you should do.

May you and the family keep safe from the virus, but we all have to follow good sense. This is also doing the will of God.
 
tourist

tourist

Senior Member
#8
Mar 13, 2014
41,299
16,294
113
69
Tennessee
#8
Kim82 said:
That you have stayed with your wife during all of this, you are an inspiration to many, and you have a testimony.

All you can do is ensure that she takes her medication, if she was prescribed any, and don't let anything make you get stressed.

God is pleased with you because you are doing His will, and He will bless you inspite of it all. That's why I'm encouraging you to cheer up. If you get stressed then you can't help your wife, and the marriage will be even more unbearable.

If the authorities say you are to stay indoors, then that is what you should do.

May you and the family keep safe from the virus, but we all have to follow good sense. This is also doing the will of God.
Click to expand...
I absolutely agree with your post and the wise counsel you have offered. I know first-hand that being the main caregiver can take its toll after a few years. I commend him as well for staying with his wife, in sickness and in health.
 
StrugglingTilMyReward

StrugglingTilMyReward

Well-known member
#9
Aug 10, 2019
552
437
63
Canada
#9
1christian1 said:
So your wife is'nt physically capable of taking a walk?
Click to expand...
We do go for walks, but the medication she has is on has as side effect of weight gain...and she's complaining of knee pain, which she doesn't blame on her weight...the pain is someong doing it to her, or someone using someone else to cause her pain...or an invisible person using someone....

I belong to an awesome church family, I have spoken to a the head pastor and an elder....but mental health issues are not something that are well understood. The drive seemed to help....and she does have a supplemental medication to be used sparingly (effectiveness diminishes if over used) that, after refusing to take it...later after I put this post up...out of nowhere she said "okay, I'll take it". An answer to a prayer, thanks to those who added to my own.

Thanks everyone.....this isn't an easy time but I have an awesome God to lean on. This was posted by the youth pastor at my church and it really helped. Love this hymn/song....it brought tears of joy, and relief. Hopefully tomorrow is better, and if its not....we'll just keep moving forward.

 
StrugglingTilMyReward

StrugglingTilMyReward

Well-known member
#10
Aug 10, 2019
552
437
63
Canada
#10
Kim82 said:
That you have stayed with your wife during all of this, you are an inspiration to many, and you have a testimony.

All you can do is ensure that she takes her medication, if she was prescribed any, and don't let anything make you get stressed.

God is pleased with you because you are doing His will, and He will bless you inspite of it all. That's why I'm encouraging you to cheer up. If you get stressed then you can't help your wife, and the marriage will be even more unbearable.

If the authorities say you are to stay indoors, then that is what you should do.

May you and the family keep safe from the virus, but we all have to follow good sense. This is also doing the will of God.
Click to expand...
Kim82, I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts....she is on medication and very compliant in taking it....but at times of heightened stress it isn't enough, in the post before this I wrote how I was surprised, that after refusing to take a supplemental boost several times...out of nowhere she said, "alirght I'll take it"....answer to prayer.

Its hard to avoid being stressed when you're being sworn at....tomorrow will be better I pray. We did go for the drive after she took the 'as needed medication' and I think that helped as well. The authorities have not as yet banned going outdoors, or for a drive....as things stand now its simply a very strong suggestion. Our provincial police (like state) put out a video to quell rumours circulating that the police were pulling people over radmonly to inquire on the nature of the trip and to ensure all occupants of a vehicle are in the same family....the way things are evolving though I will not be surpirsed if it does come to that.

What may not be essential for one person, may in fact be essential for another....they've kept beer and liquor stores open here so that tells you who they're looking after. Even gov't run weed retailers were open until recently, now they're closing them and telling people to order on line....this is the "authority" we're living under here in Ontario Canada. Our Premier (like governor) used to deal hash when he was in high school....
 
1christian1

1christian1

Banned
#11
Sep 13, 2018
2,587
885
113
#11
StrugglingTilMyReward said:
Kim82, I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts....she is on medication and very compliant in taking it....but at times of heightened stress it isn't enough, in the post before this I wrote how I was surprised, that after refusing to take a supplemental boost several times...out of nowhere she said, "alirght I'll take it"....answer to prayer.

Its hard to avoid being stressed when you're being sworn at....tomorrow will be better I pray. We did go for the drive after she took the 'as needed medication' and I think that helped as well. The authorities have not as yet banned going outdoors, or for a drive....as things stand now its simply a very strong suggestion. Our provincial police (like state) put out a video to quell rumours circulating that the police were pulling people over radmonly to inquire on the nature of the trip and to ensure all occupants of a vehicle are in the same family....the way things are evolving though I will not be surpirsed if it does come to that.

What may not be essential for one person, may in fact be essential for another....they've kept beer and liquor stores open here so that tells you who they're looking after. Even gov't run weed retailers were open until recently, now they're closing them and telling people to order on line....this is the "authority" we're living under here in Ontario Canada. Our Premier (like governor) used to deal hash when he was in high school....
Click to expand...
Do you think that this discussion is appropriate for this family forum...
 
NOV25

NOV25

Well-known member
#12
Nov 23, 2019
967
384
63
#12
This channel on youtube may be helpful, lots of material.

 
Lanolin

Lanolin

Well-known member
#13
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,176
113
#13
hmm I think everyone in the same boat if its not your own mental health it will be someone elses...

Take a break. Some things we do trigger more stress for example, do you really need go watch tv or go on social media? The invisible people you have affairs with, is it just your wifes way of saying she feels unsafe and wants you to pay more attention to her.

I find plants are very therapeutic, I dont know what season you are in but just have a walk outside, smell the flowers, look to the sky, walk barefoot on the grass.

Just do Simple things. Breathe.

Does it really even matter if nobody buys a book from amazon for a couple of weeks? will the world come crashing down?
 
B

BibleStudent60

Member
#14
Apr 17, 2019
70
47
18
#14
Because we live in “critical times hard to deal with,” people today are subjected to considerable stress. (2 Timothy 3:1; Luke 21:26) And since all are subject to the debilitating effects of sin and imperfection, it is no surprise that even some God-fearing people, such as your wife, have succumbed to mental illness.—Romans 5:12.

But knowing that mental illness is a disease helps one to have a balanced view of it. While it is possible that in some cases demonic forces are involved, the Bible does not teach that all illnesses are caused by the demons. (Ephesians 6:12; compare Matthew 4:24; Mark 1:32-34; Acts 5:16.)

Searching out well regarded clinicians is of paramount importance, but don't forget though, that the Bible tells of an ill woman who “had been put to many pains by many physicians and had spent all her resources and had not been benefited but, rather, had got worse.” Only Jesus Christ was able to heal her. (Mark 5:25-29) Medical science today is likewise limited. True, one can take reasonable steps to attain a measure of relief. But rather than getting trapped on a treadmill of searching for an elusive cure, some may simply have to learn to live with and endure the problem.

Knowing that God deeply cares for us, however, can ease much anxiety (1 Peter 5:6, 7) and many have found that faith helps more than any medication doctors have to offer.
 
Angela53510

Angela53510

Senior Member
#15
Jan 24, 2011
11,780
2,943
113
#15
I wish people understood that schizophrenia is not a disease of the mind, but the brain. The brain is not putting out the correct chemicals, and the result is various confused thoughts & ideas, visions or general confusion. So, counselling will help the mind, but you need meds for the brain.

Very impressed you have stayed with your wife. Schizophrenia is a hard disease, but it sounds like you understand what you need to do to keep your wife stable. God bless you!
 
Lanolin

Lanolin

Well-known member
#16
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,176
113
#16
with schizophrenia something you can do to help balance things out is make sure you have plenty to balance your thyroid eg iodine in your diet, can get from kelp salt. I think one of the reason Jesus went fishing was he knew that fish was good for us - eg its brain food. Fresh Fish has all sorts of minerals our body needs.

Recall the miracle of loaves and fishes. Now that was a long time ago but note that it wasnt the miracle of roast lamb or even quail and manna. if you cant get fresh fish even just seaweed or fish oil..people used to take cod liver oil for their brains.

I am not saying dont take meds here or anything like that but food can be your medicine and its the best thing.
 
HeraldtheNews

HeraldtheNews

Well-known member
#17
Apr 26, 2012
1,550
435
83
66
#17
StrugglingTilMyReward said:
We do go for walks, but the medication she has is on has as side effect of weight gain...and she's complaining of knee pain, which she doesn't blame on her weight...the pain is someong doing it to her, or someone using someone else to cause her pain...or an invisible person using someone....

I belong to an awesome church family, I have spoken to a the head pastor and an elder....but mental health issues are not something that are well understood. The drive seemed to help....and she does have a supplemental medication to be used sparingly (effectiveness diminishes if over used) that, after refusing to take it...later after I put this post up...out of nowhere she said "okay, I'll take it". An answer to a prayer, thanks to those who added to my own.

Thanks everyone.....this isn't an easy time but I have an awesome God to lean on. This was posted by the youth pastor at my church and it really helped. Love this hymn/song....it brought tears of joy, and relief. Hopefully tomorrow is better, and if its not....we'll just keep moving forward.

Click to expand...
Very nicely done. You are a natural at worship music, and a very nice hymn. An eagle just flew up nearby and perched on a WiFi tower to let you know that you are well. The sun is shining here as it nears evening by the sea. The eagle is a messenger of God with a divine sign. The eagle appears a bit apprehensive, but not afraid. Two seagulls just flew by it. Thank you for sharing your song and gift. I enjoy music also, but it might take me a dozen times and days to record that well what you have shared from your heart so easily. The eagle is still standing guard, but the sun is shining into my car now, so I must be on my way.
 
HeraldtheNews

HeraldtheNews

Well-known member
#18
Apr 26, 2012
1,550
435
83
66
#18
StrugglingTilMyReward said:
We do go for walks, but the medication she has is on has as side effect of weight gain...and she's complaining of knee pain, which she doesn't blame on her weight...the pain is someong doing it to her, or someone using someone else to cause her pain...or an invisible person using someone....

I belong to an awesome church family, I have spoken to a the head pastor and an elder....but mental health issues are not something that are well understood. The drive seemed to help....and she does have a supplemental medication to be used sparingly (effectiveness diminishes if over used) that, after refusing to take it...later after I put this post up...out of nowhere she said "okay, I'll take it". An answer to a prayer, thanks to those who added to my own.

Thanks everyone.....this isn't an easy time but I have an awesome God to lean on. This was posted by the youth pastor at my church and it really helped. Love this hymn/song....it brought tears of joy, and relief. Hopefully tomorrow is better, and if its not....we'll just keep moving forward.

Click to expand...
StrugglingTilMyReward said:
We do go for walks, but the medication she has is on has as side effect of weight gain...and she's complaining of knee pain, which she doesn't blame on her weight...the pain is someong doing it to her, or someone using someone else to cause her pain...or an invisible person using someone....

I belong to an awesome church family, I have spoken to a the head pastor and an elder....but mental health issues are not something that are well understood. The drive seemed to help....and she does have a supplemental medication to be used sparingly (effectiveness diminishes if over used) that, after refusing to take it...later after I put this post up...out of nowhere she said "okay, I'll take it". An answer to a prayer, thanks to those who added to my own.

Thanks everyone.....this isn't an easy time but I have an awesome God to lean on. This was posted by the youth pastor at my church and it really helped. Love this hymn/song....it brought tears of joy, and relief. Hopefully tomorrow is better, and if its not....we'll just keep moving forward.

Click to expand...
 
StrugglingTilMyReward

StrugglingTilMyReward

Well-known member
#19
Aug 10, 2019
552
437
63
Canada
#19
HeraldtheNews said:
Very nicely done. You are a natural at worship music, and a very nice hymn. An eagle just flew up nearby and perched on a WiFi tower to let you know that you are well. The sun is shining here as it nears evening by the sea. The eagle is a messenger of God with a divine sign. The eagle appears a bit apprehensive, but not afraid. Two seagulls just flew by it. Thank you for sharing your song and gift. I enjoy music also, but it might take me a dozen times and days to record that well what you have shared from your heart so easily. The eagle is still standing guard, but the sun is shining into my car now, so I must be on my way.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your words, but just to be clear....that isn't me in the video, he's from my church.....if that eagle heard my singing he'd fly away in an instant, and might even go straight for my voice box :)
 
Magenta

Magenta

Senior Member
#20
Jul 3, 2015
55,777
25,971
113
#20
StrugglingTilMyReward said:
Thanks for your words, but just to be clear....that isn't me in the video, he's from my church.....if that eagle heard my singing he'd fly away in an instant, and might even go straight for my voice box :)
Click to expand...
I enjoyed the song also, thank you for posting your youth pastor singing it :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.