Question on Depression

Chronically depressed myself, I have managed to avoid professional help but I've never been suicidal. My condition has improved A LOT since I cut back heavily on eating meat and other heavy foods. WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT LISTEN TO PEOPLE THAT HAVE NEVER HAD TRUE CLINICAL DEPRESSION THAT WANT TO GIVE YOU ADVICE. They think they know what's going on but they don't. I can't describe how much it hurts when people accuse you of hiding sin, or being lazy, or being a sissy, all of which I have been accused of. Remember that some people remove all doubt of their ignorance by opening their mouth. BTW, there are plenty of great christians in history that suffered from depression - one you may of heard of - C.H. Spurgeon.

 

Shell,
I am also on a fixed income(SS Disability), When you are put on a anti-depressant have your doc fax the drug manufacturer. Many companies have a "coupon program" where they issue a "coupon" to your Pharmacist to pay for your medication.
This is how I'm able to afford my meds.

Rob

 

Shell,

I feel for you. I know the place you are in... I have been there. It is cold, and dark, and very lonely.

But I can tell you that it is not permanent. Oh, it can seem like it... like the sun is gone and will never come again, that all you love have turned their backs and walked away, that God has forsaken you. But all of that is a lie.

There has been some really good advice given in this thread... even the ones that contradict some of the others. But your situation, your make-up, is different from any that we have faced because you are you, and we ain't.

Depression is real. It is real physically, it is real emotionally, and it is real spiritually. i heartily recommend using the medical route (doctors, psychiatrist). Seek counselling if you need to, but look for a Christian one as modern psychology is all based on theory.

Don't be afraid of having to take some kind of medication. With the expert care of a skilled doctor, his choice of meds will make a world of difference. And don't be afraid of how long you will ahve to take them. I needed a few months, my wife will probably need them for the rest of her life (we have both been there). But the fact is that they were/are needed when depression goes beyond the spiritual and the mental.

I know it is hard to do this right now, but stay close to God. You aren't able to work right now, so keep the radio going (not the TV). Tune in to Moody if you can get it (check their website for stations or to listen online - www.mbn.org). Moody has many excellent teachers on in the mornings and evenings. Use this time to get to know Him better, and let Him carry you through.

Please know that you are in my prayers.

In Christ,
Trotter

 

Shell, I have had it for many years and have been on meds for most of them. I am also Bi Polar.

Chemestry and herdity are a factor. I was fortunate to be blessed with a most compassionate Dr. She is not a Psych. but used to be my sons pediatrician and started treating behavioral disorders now only specializes in people adults and childen like us.

The specialty she has is neurodevelopmental medicine. Pills are expensive but I always get samples. I estimate I get about $500 worth every visit.I don't have health insurance.

But PLEASE GET TO SOMEONE MEDICAL and also continue with your pastoral counseling. Until your stabilized the counseling will not be as effective. The meds are funny, you may have to go through 3 or more to find the right one. They don't all work the same. I have been on about 4 different ones over the years. It takes about 4 weeks to see a difference. You do not get high or feel different when they work you just feel normal.

I have never had side effect problems.
Do you live in NJ if so I could recommend someone. We have a Counseling Pastor at my church thats all he does and is very experienced and good.

Let me know what your doing. I been there and sometimes still go there and it is sooo hard.

You don't want to get out from under the covers.

I still see her every month and spend the whole time discussing Theology

[TFC123 since you are no longer a Baptist (now CMA) you are not allowed to post in the Baptist Only Sections of the BB. Please restrict your post to the sections that are open to All Christians.]

[ March 17, 2006, 07:51 AM: Message edited by: Bible-boy ]

 

I've added you to my prayer list!