Christianity Oasis Forum

[ElvinH]

For everyone reading this I want to thank you for taking time to read my post. I had an earlier topic "depressed and needing prayer" we'll I still need prayer and a lot of it. I want to thank all of you that do take time to say a prayer for me and my wife this is a very hard time for both of us. I'm out of work and facing some terrible issues in my life and she doesn't make enough to pay the bills.

I have never been one to get depressed and worry where as she was the one that would get upset. Well the tide has turned now I lean upon her for wisdom and strength. She is strong in her faith with God where as I am a mess. Even though I feel this has brought me closer to God it still really hurts really bad. The worst time is in the morning and in the evening. I don't know why but it is bad. Sometimes like today the depression will last most of the day.

Today my kids and grand kids came over for my birthday which did help take my mind off things for a little while. But I wasn't able to truly enjoy the day like I use to. The joy I use to have when everyone would get together wasn't there like It use to be in the past. Then once everyone leaves and it gets quiet in the house that state of depression starts coming back.

When I have these bouts of depression the only way I can ease the pain is either talking or journaling like this. I have talked to my family so much about my problems and depression that I'm sure they are all tired of hearing me go on and on about the same old thing. But I have to talk otherwise I would explode. I like this counseling journal because I feel like I can express myself and not be judged but have people that care for my wife and myself pray for us.

Again thank you for taking time to read,

[mlg]

Hey ElvinH...as I read your shared words...I saw something...as long as you were busy...and had something to focus on other than you...then you were actually not feeling the depression....and this my friend tells me that the enemy has found your weak spot...when you are still...he comes and whispers his negative yuck in your ear. So guess what Elvin? You have to find some organization in your life to keep you busy...despite the fact that you are out of work...then use this time to do some volunteer work...it will get ya up and out of the house...and you will feel as if you are doing something again. Don't let the enemy beat ya up Elvin...it's time to get up and get to doing....please share some things you are passionate about? Any places you've always wanted to volunteer to help others? Don't see this as something lost Elvin...see it as an opportunity...you never know...while you are out volunteering...God just might open a pathway to a paying job for you.

Praying for you still.

*hugs* and blessings

[Biblethumper]

Hi Elvin,
Sorry to hear you are so depressed. My main question for you is, have you seen a psychiatrist? Depression is a very serious illness. I have Bipolar Disorder so I know exactly how it feels to be depressed. Bipolar depression goes a lot deeper than clinical depression. My depressions go very deep and they last sometimes for months on end. Basically I have been there and done that. In my early years I attempted to go without medication only to find myself committed to a psych hospital. There are plenty of different treatments out there. If you have issues with money there are a lot of programs out there that can help you. You can find them by Googling, "Community Mental Health and your zip code" there a tons of clinics out there that a based on a sliding scale. They go by your income. If you would like to converse in greater depth feel free to look me up. I have extensive experience in offering support to people who suffer from Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Schitzophrenia and so on...... I have been a support OP in a Chatroom that is geared toward Bipolar Disorder for the last 10 years.

Here's some things that you can do that might alleviate your pain...

1. Read scripture. Through God's ever loving word you will find comfort, love and guidance.

2. Sit at the Lords feet and let him heal you.

3. Pray. You just can't get enough of this. Pray, pray,pray......

4. Go easy on yourself. Give yourself permission to feel the way you do. Depression is not only mental it is also physical. There is a reason why you are depressed. It's not just "In your head" It's also NOT something that you can simply get over. As I mentioned before depression is a serious mental AND physical illness.

5. Try and get at least 15 to 30 minutes of sunshine a day. Even if its cloudy out. You will still receive the adequate amounts of UVA AND UVB rays. If you can't go outside then sit by a window. Either way expose your arms and your face.

6. Keep a Journal. Just like you are doing here. I have found it helpful to keep a situational journal going when I get sick. A situational journal is making entries in a journal in small increments throughout the day. This way you will feel a release of emotions at a steady pace and it can also be a good way for you to look back and reflect on it. You can look for patterns and situations that effect you most.

7. Go easy on your family members and friends. Dealing with someone who has any kind of illness is exahausting to family members and friends. They all mean well but most of them don't know how to handle it. This is why you need outside professional assistance. It is crucial that you find a psychiatrist and a therapist.

8. If at all possible try and get some kind of exercise in. I know you don't feel like it because if I'm guessing correctly you probably feel your wading around in thick mud. Your whole body probably feels like you are being weighted down with weights around your ankles. Try doing some simple movements sitting in your chair. Lift your legs up, swing your arms, roll your head... I think you get the message.

9. IF YOU ARE FEELING LIKE HURTING YOURSELF CALL 911 OR GO TO THE ER STAT! I know this is a touchy subject but it must be addressed.

I think thats enough for now.

Feel free to contact me anytime.

Dear Jesus I pray that you help me new friend Elvin. He is very depressed and in need of your light, love, and healing touch. I pray that he finds relief with you very soon. Please help his family too Lord. Help them to understand his illness. Please guide him to find a psychiatrist and a therapist that will help him out financially. I would like to offer myself to help him if you see fit. I ask the the Holy Spirit guides him and opens up his heart, mind and soul in order to receive your guidance through your ever loving scriptures..

IN THE NAME OF JESUS I PRAY!

AMEN!

G

[JulieAnn]

Hello Elvin,

Have you recieved biblical counseling related to your depression? If not, I highly reccomend doing so. But make certain it is Biblical counseling that can get to the root of your depression - if your depression is related to 'life' issues.

Either way, I want to strongly reccomend you see a Dr. who can perscribe you medication to relieve these symptons. Not all depression is strictly reated to life circumstances, but if a circumstance in our life brought on depression or we are going through a mid-life depression, if left unchecked and properly dealt with, it can very easily lead to a major clinical depression, which requires medication. Do not be afriad of medication or treat it as if it's a taboo thing for a christian to do. Taking medication for depression is no different thant taking medication for high blood pressure, or diabetes. Our God is not apposed to medication for treatement of illness. Most severe depression, which you have, is from a chemical imbalance in the brain - serotonin levels, etc. When the Serotonin levels are low, depression and anxiety sets in. Numerous things can contribute to low Serotonin leves: stress, diet, health, age, etc. Can God heal? Yes, absolutely. He can do it instantly, or He may choose to do it slowly overtime, or He may choose to have you use medicine for a season. Medicine is not the enemy. Depression is not something to feel shame or embarassment over; thinking you must somehow heal yourself or snap yourself out of it. If you feel you need to get biblical counseling along with prescription treatment, do it. You need relief. And as long as you are in this state of mind/depression, no matter what the cause, you will not think clearly. Praying for you my brother. Julie

[ElvinH]

Proverbs 12:25. Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.